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
In this way, the bro construction exploits the vaguely negative connotations attached to masculinity in order to tar something else with the same brush.
—
Dan Brooks, The Atlantic, 26 Feb. 2026
Here, however, the connotations of an overeager creator whose outsized intentions come crashing down to earth seem accidental.
—Eric Kohn, IndieWire, 25 Feb. 2026
The term fun parent comes with plenty of connotations (good and bad) and preconceived notions.
—Jana Pollack, Parents, 15 Feb. 2026
Jade is a plant and a stone, with connotations of balance and healing and wellness in Eastern medicine.
—David Oliver, USA Today, 15 Feb. 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 The Dallas Morning News, Arkansas Online, 1 Feb. 2026
The Premier League’s set-piece evolution has taken on slightly pejorative connotations.
—Conor O'Neill, New York Times, 30 Jan. 2026
It’s been given negative connotations.
—Heather Hunter, The Washington Examiner, 16 Jan. 2026
It's been given negative connotations.
—Conor Murray, Forbes.com, 16 Jan. 2026
Dan Brooks, The Atlantic, 26 Feb. 2026
Here, however, the connotations of an overeager creator whose outsized intentions come crashing down to earth seem accidental.
—Eric Kohn, IndieWire, 25 Feb. 2026
The term fun parent comes with plenty of connotations (good and bad) and preconceived notions.
—Jana Pollack, Parents, 15 Feb. 2026
Jade is a plant and a stone, with connotations of balance and healing and wellness in Eastern medicine.
—David Oliver, USA Today, 15 Feb. 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 The Dallas Morning News, Arkansas Online, 1 Feb. 2026
The Premier League’s set-piece evolution has taken on slightly pejorative connotations.
—Conor O'Neill, New York Times, 30 Jan. 2026
It’s been given negative connotations.
—Heather Hunter, The Washington Examiner, 16 Jan. 2026
It's been given negative connotations.
—Conor Murray, Forbes.com, 16 Jan. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for connotations
Noun
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Apprehension about the merger also extends beyond its implications for CNN and the media business.—
Samantha Masunaga,
Los Angeles Times,
27 Feb. 2026
-
For Palisades and Malibu residents, however, the political implications matter less than the timeline.—
Michelle Edgar,
Daily News,
27 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
How To Tell If Butter Has Gone Bad Trust your senses!—
Alana Al-Hatlani,
Southern Living,
28 Feb. 2026
-
Merging an art encounter with the land engages all the senses.—
Jenna Prestininzi,
Freep.com,
27 Feb. 2026
Noun
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The result is a joyful and naturalistic celebration of the term’s many meanings and manifestations.—
Emma Specter,
Vogue,
27 Feb. 2026
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Continue reading … -- IN OTHER NEWS COLORFUL DEFIANCE — Bears' Caleb Williams explains meanings behind nail polish, says critics won’t stop him.—
,
FOXNews.com,
19 Feb. 2026
Noun
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But those familiar with Golding’s 1954 novel will know that its macabre themes of civilization versus savagery and the nature of evil are a far step away from the West End.—
Diana Lodderhose,
Deadline,
4 Mar. 2026
-
The film explores themes of migration, identity and the search for freedom.—
Thinus Ferreira,
Variety,
4 Mar. 2026
Noun
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They have not been subjected to retaliation, but there have been a lot of hints of it.—
Scott Feinberg,
HollywoodReporter,
3 Mar. 2026
-
The 20-year-old’s versatility evokes hints of Kadarius Toney and Percy Havin.—
Edgar Thompson,
The Orlando Sentinel,
2 Mar. 2026
Noun
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Early indications are of a broader scale attack on Iran, with counterattacks which could escalate to draw in multiple Gulf countries.—
Lee Ying Shan,
CNBC,
1 Mar. 2026
-
The Venezuela raid was lasted hours, but early indications point to the Iran attacks being the start of a more expansive, longer offensive.—
Jason Ma,
Fortune,
28 Feb. 2026
Noun
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These suggestions are just a starting point, of course — with an emphasis on recent works made by Iranians themselves, rather than by outsiders looking in.—
Anastasia Tsioulcas,
NPR,
3 Mar. 2026
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Here are four unexpected things that make a house feel dated, along with McSwain's suggestions for timeless alternatives.—
Abby Wolner,
Better Homes & Gardens,
3 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Today, entrants must brush up on the formal definitions of substance use disorders as described in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders and familiarize themselves with classification criteria specified by the American Society of Addiction Medicine.—
Paul Sisson,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
2 Mar. 2026
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So there are these two competing definitions.—
Max Klaver,
Miami Herald,
27 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Connotations.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/connotations. Accessed 7 Mar. 2026.
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