connotation

noun

Definition of connotationnext
as in implication
an idea or quality that is suggested by a word or thing a word with positive connotations The word "childlike" has connotations of innocence.

Related Words

Relevance

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of connotation Growing up, the American dream always took on a financial connotation for Utrera. — Carlos De Loera, Los Angeles Times, 4 Sep. 2026 These positive connotations associated with scientific research help the AI industry signal altruism while downplaying their profit-making ambitions. — Matthew Sun, The Atlantic, 4 Sep. 2026 But Canada is just far enough away to be a legitimate escape, while also carrying a host of related connotations. — Kathryn Vanarendonk, Vulture, 19 Aug. 2026 Gurel writes that the associations with hippies, dieting, and dessert-like snacks all gave yogurt a feminine connotation. — Livia Gershon, JSTOR Daily, 11 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for connotation
Recent Examples of Synonyms for connotation
  1. implication
  2. sense
  3. meaning
  4. hint
  5. indication
  6. definition
  7. suggestion
  8. message
Noun
  • The Senate race has attracted national attention because of its implications for control of the chamber, where Democrats need to flip four seats to regain the majority.
    — Barnini Chakraborty, The Washington Examiner, 9 Oct. 2026
  • Regardless of whether the document comes to light, Rodríguez argued that Floridians should closely watch the utility merger because of its other implications for Florida voters and electricity customers.
    — Claire Heddles, Miami Herald, 9 Oct. 2026
Definition of implication
Noun
  • In a picture shared in the post taken on Fall Picture Day, Cagle said Burfield had relaxed smile and a sense of ease.
    — Shambhavi Rimal, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 5 Oct. 2026
  • Still The Hairy Ape is, in one sense, a long, furious solo — a man pounding his head against a piano while accompanied by the orchestra — and Beavers ably carries its weight through to the finale.
    — Sara Holdren, Vulture, 5 Oct. 2026
Definition of sense
Noun
  • Old-school luxury takes on new meaning since the refurbishing and renovations that took place here in 2016.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Oct. 2026
  • So the fact that Zoe Kazan’s East of Eden is his first job since a notable 2024 that included Luca Guadagnino’s Challengers and Jeff Nichols’ The Bikeriders suggests the epic family drama holds particular meaning for him.
    — Brian Davids, HollywoodReporter, 5 Oct. 2026
Definition of meaning
Noun
  • Though some concept drawings were released by the company shortly after the project began in 2008, more recent renditions have been little more than hints showing the craft as an outline in the haze, with only the nose and cockpit showing clearly.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 4 Oct. 2026
  • Though Kid Rock has not yet discussed his new album — or his relationship with Allen — beyond a brief Instagram post, past comments might offer a hint into his decision to include someone who’s been all but banished from the country music industry.
    — Jonathan Bernstein, Rolling Stone, 2 Oct. 2026
Definition of hint
Noun
  • Neither candidate can escape political baggage The debate also offered little indication that either candidate had found a way to overcome the concerns that could limit his appeal.
    — Barnini Chakraborty, The Washington Examiner, 9 Oct. 2026
  • There is no indication the charity intends to share its classrooms’ recordings with anybody else, but fears about the potential misuse of surveillance technology are heightened in Gaza after three years of war.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 9 Oct. 2026
Definition of indication
Noun
  • But critics of the system argue that the rise in disability and incapacity claimants owes more to broadening definitions of disability – and especially to an increase in people claiming benefits for mental health conditions.
    — The Week UK, TheWeek, 4 Oct. 2026
  • But do such experiences meet the narrow definition of attachment?
    — Pascal Vrticka, Scientific American, 4 Oct. 2026
Definition of definition
Noun
  • The service Service was very casual and friendly and consummately helpful—everyone was happy to show me around, share a bit of the hotel’s history, or help make a booking or a suggestion, even during the busiest hours.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Oct. 2026
  • Koltai remembers doubting his son Devyn’s suggestion to sell tote bags.
    — Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 5 Oct. 2026
Definition of suggestion
Noun
  • The message comes following Tuesday morning’s memo from David Ellison, chairman and CEO, and co-CEO Ynon Kreiz, which acknowledged that layoffs will be part of the process of integrating the two companies.
    — Payton Turkeltaub, Variety, 7 Oct. 2026
  • The hot mic saw to it that Rodgers' message to McCarthy was loud and clear and any amateur lip reader could also clearly decipher the head coach's response to his quarterback who spent 13 seasons with him in Green Bay.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 6 Oct. 2026
Definition of message

Browse Nearby Words

connoisseurs
connotation
connotations
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Connotation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/connotation. Accessed 12 Oct. 2026.

Copy Citation

More from Merriam-Webster on connotation

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about connotation

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

Listen to the pronunciation of nexus

See Definitions and Examples »

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

Do You Need a New Language Peeve?

The Exceptions of '-s' and '-es' Plurals

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

What's the difference between 'fascism' and 'socialism'?
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

The Real Origin of 'Supercalifragilistic'

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

7 Words for Bad Endings and Rough Situations

The Words of the Week - Oct. 9

Why do we call it a 'flea market'?
See More

Popular

See More

Do You Need a New Language Peeve?

The Real Origin of 'Supercalifragilistic'

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
The Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
a cup of tea and a golf ball on tee side by side
Quiz: Sounds Like... Choose the word that sounds like it fits the clue...
See All