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 It was labeled a foreign agent, a designation that carries strong pejorative connotations and implies additional government scrutiny. — Los Angeles Times, 30 Oct. 2026 While stained glass does have a residential history—Frank Lloyd Wright in particular was known for incorporating art glass in projects—these colorful windows most often have religious connotations. — Kelsey Mulvey, Architectural Digest, 20 Oct. 2026 Preppy staples with athletic connotations will be in heavy rotation. — Laird Borrelli-Persson, Vogue, 14 Oct. 2026 De Biase explained how a snake is associated with Eve and the story of sin in the Bible — but the shoe reframes the connotation of the snake. — Jaden Thompson, Footwear News, 5 Oct. 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 jokes have spread across X, Reddit and other platforms, turning a corporate leadership crisis with potentially serious national security implications into a seemingly endless supply of entertainment.
    — Steve Mollman, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 Nov. 2026
  • The economic and geopolitical implications of this competition are enormous.
    — Yasheng Huang, Time, 14 Nov. 2026
Definition of implication
Noun
  • At a free, all-day festival in Newark, hundreds gathered to celebrate Indian culture, with live music, traditional clothing and food creating a sense of connection to home.
    — CBS News, CBS News, 8 Nov. 2026
  • Democrats know what drove those voters away in the first place — cost of living, rent, grocery bills, public safety and a sense among working families that the party talks past them and even down to them.
    — Bradley Honan, New York Daily News, 8 Nov. 2026
Definition of sense
Noun
  • The society granted that biomarkers can define diseases, as with certain cancers, before symptoms appear, but only when their meaning is sufficiently well understood.
    — Manvir Singh, New Yorker, 2 Nov. 2026
  • There are various families of bodies in the outer solar system, and 3I/ATLAS’ spectrum bears a resemblance to the spectrum of some medium-sized TNOs that are rich in carbon-dioxide ice and organic compounds (organic meaning containing carbon atoms).
    — Keith Cooper, Space.com, 2 Nov. 2026
Definition of meaning
Noun
  • Not long ago, broadcasters avoided even a hint of gambling conversation.
    — New Yorker, New Yorker, 8 Nov. 2026
  • Dylan Carden, an equity analyst for William Blair, wrote in a note published Friday that Under Armour’s results give few hints as to when a recovery could be expected for the company.
    — Sara Germano, Sportico.com, 6 Nov. 2026
Definition of hint
Noun
  • Products trending this fall offer an early indication of what consumers will be gravitating toward this holiday season.
    — Angela Velasquez, Footwear News, 13 Nov. 2026
  • Even Huang himself may be wondering about the answer to that question, if a recent New York Times interview is any indication (more on that later).
    — Katie Schultz, Architectural Digest, 13 Nov. 2026
Definition of indication
Noun
  • For policymakers, business leaders and economists, the ask is to broaden the definition of a healthy small-business economy beyond output and revenue.
    — Sukhinder Singh Cassidy, Fortune, 7 Nov. 2026
  • Dakota Johnson just wore the definition of a high-low look for a quiet date night with Machine Gun Kelly.
    — Meg Walters, InStyle, 7 Nov. 2026
Definition of definition
Noun
  • This isn’t the place to try to engage staffers in meandering conversations, but all are friendly and quick to share menu suggestions for curious diners.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 3 Nov. 2026
  • To help keep you and your pets safe, DEEP officials offer the following suggestions.
    — Stephen Underwood, Hartford Courant, 2 Nov. 2026
Definition of suggestion
Noun
  • After multiple attempts to press forward, the message of the direction of the school was received very clearly.
    — Darcel Rockett, Chicago Tribune, 11 Nov. 2026
  • Was communicating an environmentalist message — or more care for animals and the natural world — something that was important to you with this project?
    — Patrick Brzeski, HollywoodReporter, 10 Nov. 2026
Definition of message

Browse Nearby Words

connoisseurs
connotation
connotations
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Cite this Entry

“Connotation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/connotation. Accessed 15 Nov. 2026.

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Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about connotation

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