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 But there was no negative connotation behind [doing] the shoot together. — Kirbie Johnson, Allure, 17 Sep. 2026 But, of course, an airport carries fewer negative connotations than Tennessee’s eternally controversial state legislature. — Chris Willman, Variety, 11 Sep. 2026 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 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
  • For coastal communities, the implications extend beyond Antarctica.
    — Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 17 Oct. 2026
  • This emergent growth dynamic comes with important implications.
    — Justin Worland, Time, 17 Oct. 2026
Definition of implication
Noun
  • There’s a kind of sense with them of, This whole beach thing is really our vibe and the rest of you are just spectators.
    — Cressida Leyshon, New Yorker, 11 Oct. 2026
  • That’s reflected in the clips shown to the audience, which, unlike the previous films, really gives the sense that this place smells.
    — Joshua Rivera, Vulture, 11 Oct. 2026
Definition of sense
Noun
  • The expression has different meanings across cultures, rarely referring to its literal translation.
    — Annika Pham, Variety, 12 Oct. 2026
  • What begins as an extreme pursuit becomes an intimate journey into obsession, mortality and the search for meaning.
    — Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 12 Oct. 2026
Definition of meaning
Noun
  • Gone are the beer bashes, the thrill of invention and any hint that Zuckerberg lusted for something — women, attention, clout — other than a quarterly earnings report.
    — Amy Nicholson, Los Angeles Times, 9 Oct. 2026
  • However, the document didn't give any clear hints as to when exactly policymakers thought that hike could come.
    — Alex Harring, CNBC, 8 Oct. 2026
Definition of hint
Noun
  • If the preseason is any indication, Wiggins is going to have a quality season for the Heat.
    — Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 17 Oct. 2026
  • And there are indications that the rising costs aren’t going away anytime soon.
    — Vicki M. Young, Footwear News, 16 Oct. 2026
Definition of indication
Noun
  • The answer is that making good policy is challenging, and the definition of good policy itself is not clear cut.
    — Scott Warren, Washington Post, 9 Oct. 2026
  • Today, there isn’t one rigid definition of a Ukrainian manicure.
    — Lucy Abbersteen, Allure, 9 Oct. 2026
Definition of definition
Noun
  • Not all of Wright’s suggestions for painting the museum were so subtle.
    — Wendy S. Walters, Architectural Digest, 12 Oct. 2026
  • What readers are saying The comments on the article express a mix of opinions and suggestions regarding scenic train trips for viewing fall foliage.
    — Hannah Sampson, Washington Post, 11 Oct. 2026
Definition of suggestion
Noun
  • Expect Raman, whom City Hall opponents have long trashed as conflict-averse, to focus on a message of possibility and positivity while holding her ground and striking back — and hard — when necessary.
    — Lorraine Ali, Los Angeles Times, 14 Oct. 2026
  • Adam Rubin, one of the co-owners, told USA Today that the store’s phone and emails have been flooded with threatening messages.
    — Emily Zemler, Rolling Stone, 14 Oct. 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 18 Oct. 2026.

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Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about connotation

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