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 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
  • On Friday, Caine specifically raised concerns about the US munitions stockpile and other potential negative implications, according to the sources.
    — Chris Lau, CNN Money, 26 July 2026
  • The Senate race in Maine holds far-reaching political implications.
    — Elena Moore, NPR, 25 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
  • Wolf offered hints of rotational usefulness last season, but his clock-killing, ball-stopping dribbles to nowhere stood out more in a summer-league environment where his team was actually trying to win.
    — John Hollinger, New York Times, 24 July 2026
  • The first hint that Bobrovsky could be headed out of South Florida came on June 29 when Florida traded for Vegas Golden Knights goalie Akira Schmid.
    — Ava DiCecca, Sun Sentinel, 24 July 2026
Definition of hint
Noun
  • Initially, authorities said there were no apparent indications of foul play and that Wells could have drowned, noting the area is known for its dangerous rip currents.
    — Adam England, PEOPLE, 31 July 2026
  • The clearest indication of Chelsea’s direction is the signing of Morgan Rogers.
    — Graham Ruthven, New York Times, 31 July 2026
Definition of indication
Noun
  • Their advocacy helped pressure the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to expand its AIDS surveillance definition in 1992 to include conditions experienced by women such as cervical cancer and pelvic inflammatory disease.
    — Jallicia Jolly, Forbes.com, 26 July 2026
  • By many definitions, Pfister, 47, is an American turnaround story.
    — Kyung Lah, CNN Money, 25 July 2026
Definition of definition
Noun
  • State officials would still make decisions about technology, according to the PERB filing, as the union only asked to provide suggestions.
    — Corey Schmidt, Sacbee.com, 30 July 2026
  • If the former occurs, X doesn’t really offer solutions, only suggestions that users try basic fixes, like restarting or updating, switching to another device, or toggling between Wi-Fi or cellular data.
    — Ashley Belanger, ArsTechnica, 29 July 2026
Definition of suggestion
Noun
  • The charging document also cited one of the many messages Dumarce sent to Cole, including some previously cited by Cole that included threats with pictures of her children.
    — Margaret Baker, Sacbee.com, 31 July 2026
  • The governor, in his veto message, cited affordability concerns.
    — Dakota Smith, Los Angeles Times, 30 July 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 2 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on connotation

Nglish: Translation of connotation for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about connotation

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