as in implications
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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Recent Examples of connotations
However, in the 21st century, kitsch has come to shed many of these negative connotations.
—
Cori Sears, Better Homes & Gardens, 6 Jan. 2026
However, secondhand shopping didn’t always have such positive connotations, as it was sometimes associated with thrift store-buying that can be a lifeline for the economically disadvantaged.
—Mari Sato, Dallas Morning News, 4 Jan. 2026
Understanding symbolic interpretation as merely code-breaking is a popular fallacy, but the correspondences that underlay symbology are never one-to-one, but rather a complex, interlocking system of connotations and often contradictions across time periods and cultures.
—Literary Hub, 23 Dec. 2025
Yes, low-tops (or high-tops, if that is your preference) can be dressy, despite their more casual connotations.
—Christian Allaire, Vogue, 12 Nov. 2025
People bristle at the word procedural, because for a while that had negative connotations to it.
—Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 6 Nov. 2025
For people under 30, who may not even remember a time when influencers were not ubiquitous, as well as all manner of marketers and salespeople, the term’s connotations tend to be neutral to positive.
—Judy Berman, Time, 30 Oct. 2025
In an interview with Smith on JMM’s website, she was asked about the rock-star connotations of wearing sunglasses.
—Miles Socha, Footwear News, 23 Oct. 2025
But when pressed to respond to CNN’s initial inquiry about the controversy over the post – and its far-right connotations – McLaughlin did not respond.
—Chelsea Bailey, CNN Money, 19 Oct. 2025
Cori Sears, Better Homes & Gardens, 6 Jan. 2026
However, secondhand shopping didn’t always have such positive connotations, as it was sometimes associated with thrift store-buying that can be a lifeline for the economically disadvantaged.
—Mari Sato, Dallas Morning News, 4 Jan. 2026
Understanding symbolic interpretation as merely code-breaking is a popular fallacy, but the correspondences that underlay symbology are never one-to-one, but rather a complex, interlocking system of connotations and often contradictions across time periods and cultures.
—Literary Hub, 23 Dec. 2025
Yes, low-tops (or high-tops, if that is your preference) can be dressy, despite their more casual connotations.
—Christian Allaire, Vogue, 12 Nov. 2025
People bristle at the word procedural, because for a while that had negative connotations to it.
—Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 6 Nov. 2025
For people under 30, who may not even remember a time when influencers were not ubiquitous, as well as all manner of marketers and salespeople, the term’s connotations tend to be neutral to positive.
—Judy Berman, Time, 30 Oct. 2025
In an interview with Smith on JMM’s website, she was asked about the rock-star connotations of wearing sunglasses.
—Miles Socha, Footwear News, 23 Oct. 2025
But when pressed to respond to CNN’s initial inquiry about the controversy over the post – and its far-right connotations – McLaughlin did not respond.
—Chelsea Bailey, CNN Money, 19 Oct. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for connotations
Noun
-
He’s talked little about the larger political implications of his announcement, instead talking generally about his leadership style.—
Shauna Muckle,
Miami Herald,
12 Jan. 2026
-
Sell investments with an eye to taxes When selling investments in a brokerage account, consider tax implications.—
Sharon Epperson,
CNBC,
12 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Delight the senses with scented candles and hand soaps.—
Kristin Hohenadel,
The Spruce,
12 Jan. 2026
-
Your olfactory senses should inform your choice, too.—
Randi Gollin,
Martha Stewart,
12 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Even as his Reddit-haunting admirers still parse his lyrics for hidden meanings, his spirit surely looks down on them with wry amusement at his fans’ unending search for profundity.—
Alexander Larman,
Time,
10 Jan. 2026
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Both meanings are now visible in discussions of Venezuela.—
Andrew Latham,
Fortune,
8 Jan. 2026
Noun
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Ittaps into themes of toxic masculinity and unveils the impact social media has on young people.—
Yamillah Hurtado,
PEOPLE,
12 Jan. 2026
-
The film is an absolute riot, a no-bones-about-it horror flick heightened by powerful music, confident performances, and rich, resonant themes regarding cultural assimilation.—
Randall Colburn,
Entertainment Weekly,
11 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
The governor-elect’s plans provide hints of how progressives elsewhere will try to tackle affordability problems.—
Judge Glock,
Washington Post,
9 Jan. 2026
-
No arrests have been announced, nor have police offered any hints for a motive for the killing.—
Jakob Rodgers,
Mercury News,
9 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
There are indications the situation may grow even more dire.—
Bloomberg,
Mercury News,
6 Jan. 2026
-
The extent of the two dynamics divided FOMC policymakers, with indications that the vote could have gone either way despite the six-vote victory for the cut.—
Jeff Cox,
CNBC,
30 Dec. 2025
Noun
-
Sea Tea Comedy Theater is not a living room, but that concept surely comes up sometimes in the audience suggestions that fuel the improv sketch comedy performances there.—
Christopher Arnott,
Hartford Courant,
10 Jan. 2026
-
State officials have said the suggestions of fraud are unsubstantiated.—
Daniel Miller,
Los Angeles Times,
10 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Echols said lawmakers deliberately chose broad language to avoid closing the door on people whose cases might not fit narrow statutory definitions.—
Stephen Martin,
Oklahoma Watch,
13 Jan. 2026
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Other definitions include being exhausted, overwhelmed, burnt out or intoxicated.—
Brenda Looper,
Washington Post,
8 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Connotations.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/connotations. Accessed 15 Jan. 2026.
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