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.

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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 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 The designation carries a distinct, often personal connotation. — Klara Auerbach, Washington Post, 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
  • Staffers also expressed concerns about fiscal implications if bedbugs would come home with workers and require them to pay for their homes to be treated.
    — Corey Schmidt, Sacbee.com, 3 Oct. 2026
  • Palestinians have been systematically dehumanized, along with the broader Arab and Muslim world, to serve the foreign policy objectives of governments without questioning the moral and legal implications.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 2 Oct. 2026
Definition of implication
Noun
  • Iran makes another push before heading home In a sign of Tehran’s apparent sense of urgency, Pezeshkian hosted the prime minister of Qatar, the mediator in the indirect talks, early Friday before much of New York rolled out of bed.
    — Cara Anna, Los Angeles Times, 26 Sep. 2026
  • In a sign of Tehran’s apparent sense of urgency, Pezeshkian hosted the prime minister of Qatar, the mediator in the indirect talks, early Friday before much of New York rolled out of bed.
    — Cara Anna, Fortune, 26 Sep. 2026
Definition of sense
Noun
  • Swiss neutrality has been enshrined in the constitution since the mid-19th century, but its meaning has been debated for years.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 28 Sep. 2026
  • Swift drops clues in all manners and the Swifties almost always unearth the meaning behind them.
    — Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 28 Sep. 2026
Definition of meaning
Noun
  • The first and last clues were hints to her newest music-video stars, Colin Farrell (saccharide = his show Sugar) and Dakota Johnson (North or South Dakota).
    — Alejandra Gularte, Vulture, 28 Sep. 2026
  • The occasional hints on non-denim pieces come in the material’s colors for devoré tops, lace underpinnings and jacquard knits, which often reprise Dondup’s tribal logo.
    — Martino Carrera, Footwear News, 27 Sep. 2026
Definition of hint
Noun
  • There’s no indication that the five most recent shootings, including two in the Cape Town area and one south of the city of Durban, are linked.
    — Nimi Princewill, CNN Money, 2 Oct. 2026
  • There is no indication when the center will announce this year's honorees.
    — Steven Portnoy, ABC News, 2 Oct. 2026
Definition of indication
Noun
  • This new mood – a narrower, harsher definition of religious truth – had been brewing since the Reformation movement took hold in Britain around a hundred years earlier.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 28 Sep. 2026
  • Its composition also matches the classical definition of the material class.
    — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 26 Sep. 2026
Definition of definition
Noun
  • Adapted from a story by Henry Bates, the drama is an intriguing science fantasy, made believable by touches of genuine humor and the faint suggestion of a romance between a pretty American widow and a mysterious visitor from another planet.
    — THR Staff, HollywoodReporter, 28 Sep. 2026
  • The statement pushed back on the suggestion that those involved in the incident faced few consequences at the time, revealing that the university’s Title IX proceedings resulted in a range of sanctions, including expulsions and suspensions.
    — Marlene Lenthang, NBC news, 28 Sep. 2026
Definition of suggestion
Noun
  • The woman questioned the legitimacy of the message and brought it to authorities.
    — Claire Carter, The Washington Examiner, 30 Sep. 2026
  • However, in July, Wayne released a message refuting reports of an engagement, referring to a relationship with someone in the past tense, albeit without mentioning them by name.
    — Preezy Brown, VIBE.com, 29 Sep. 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 4 Oct. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on connotation

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about connotation

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