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 Richmond Richmond may not have the immediate colonial connotations of some of the other cities in Virginia, but one of the most significant speeches of the Revolutionary era happened right in downtown Richmond. — Heather Bien, Southern Living, 1 July 2026 Macchio’s other song picks all have references to religion or deities, whereas the Cohen song is entirely secular in nature, despite the connotations that have been placed on it by some performers as it has become popularized in recent years. — Chris Willman, Variety, 24 June 2026 That French idiom about having long teeth — les dents longues — can have negative connotations about a person’s ambitious streak. — Oliver Kay, New York Times, 15 June 2026 Pavers or concrete designed to mimic natural stone slabs visually break up the surface, staving off parking lot connotations. — Marisa Suzanne Martin, The Spruce, 21 May 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
  • June and July are typically the quietest months of the season, but this shear has been a major roadblock and could have implications for the peak months, too.
    — Mary Gilbert, CNN Money, 18 July 2026
  • As with consideration of any new medication, understanding implications, both good and bad, short-term and long-term, need to be fully discussed with any patient and treating physician.
    — Nina Shapiro, Forbes.com, 18 July 2026
Definition of implication
Noun
  • In that sense, the conditions included in the Garnacho deal must have a realistic possibility of not occurring in order for the deal to be recorded, at least initially, as a loan.
    — Chris Weatherspoon, New York Times, 22 July 2026
  • With real couples, the sense of love and familiarity was already present.
    — Jacqui Palumbo, CNN Money, 22 July 2026
Definition of sense
Noun
  • Having different risk scenarios is useful to understand what might happen, and AI in its widest meaning is good at assessing risks.
    — Alison Coleman, Forbes.com, 21 July 2026
  • However, art has a funny way of multiplying meanings, often above and beyond what its creators intended, and the Headington Shark is a case in point.
    — Leslie Felperin, HollywoodReporter, 21 July 2026
Definition of meaning
Noun
  • Dark romances often blend genres and may include hints of dark academia, fairytale or fantasy.
    — Clare Mulroy, USA Today, 18 July 2026
  • After hitting a three in the California Classic, Goldin hasn’t been able to build on that hint of extended range.
    — Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 17 July 2026
Definition of hint
Noun
  • There was no indication that the world’s largest sporting event, the FIFA World Cup 2026, was taking place or that South Florida was playing a key role, hosting seven matches.
    — Vinod Sreeharsha, Miami Herald, 25 July 2026
  • The changing entry-level job market One indication of that restructuring may be the decline in hiring opportunities for new graduates.
    — Felysha Walker, Kansas City Star, 24 July 2026
Definition of indication
Noun
  • Harshaw believes the broadening of sufrir’s definition is why it is so liberally applied in a sporting context.
    — Colin Millar, New York Times, 19 July 2026
  • Trump’s previous actions suggest that his definition of regime change is flexible.
    — The Week UK, TheWeek, 19 July 2026
Definition of definition
Noun
  • So, after the first 48-team World Cup, one featuring hydration breaks at all matches, suspended bans, a half-time show in the final and countless other controversies, what are your suggestions for improvement?
    — The Athletic UK Staff, New York Times, 22 July 2026
  • The second route—beyond the suggestions in the Overlooked section—is exploring the numerous distilleries whose spirit primarily goes into blends.
    — Mark Littler, Forbes.com, 21 July 2026
Definition of suggestion
Noun
  • The boarding school did not immediately respond to a message left at the general admissions number or an email with a list of questions sent to an address listed online for the school.
    — Laura Bauer, Kansas City Star, 24 July 2026
  • Your message should describe the specific location, address, or intersection where impacts occurred and the depth of flooding observed.
    — NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 24 July 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 26 Jul. 2026.

Copy Citation

More from Merriam-Webster on connotation

Nglish: Translation of connotation for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about connotation

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

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

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

Listen to the pronunciation of aerie

See Definitions and Examples »

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

Democracy or Republic: What's the difference?

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

'A' or 'an'? What about before 'h'? An Indefinite Article Guide

Do you 'say your piece' or 'say your peace'?

Why is '-ed' sometimes pronounced at the end of a word?
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

It's a Scorcher! Words for the Summer Heat

The Longest Long Words List

Ten Words Ending with a Silent ‘T’

The Words of the Week - Jul 24

Why do we say 'fly off the handle'?
See More

Popular

See More

Democracy or Republic: What's the difference?

It's a Scorcher! Words for the Summer Heat

The Longest Long Words List
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
chain-question-mark
Missing Link Quiz July 2026 Five seconds to figure out the word that fits bot...
See All