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
Those not chronically online might instinctively recoil at the term brain rot, with its vaguely gory connotations, especially as concern about the potential harms of social media for adolescents mounts.
—
Safiyah Riddle, Fortune, 7 Sep. 2025
Words have deep meaning and kaleidoscopic connotations.
—Jess Collen, Forbes.com, 30 Aug. 2025
If the otherwise silly story of Vance’s vacation has a serious side, then his choice of destination has curious symbolic connotations, too.
—Jon Allsop, New Yorker, 15 Aug. 2025
Exercise should invoke positive connotations, not negative ones.
—Angelica Stabile, FOXNews.com, 14 Aug. 2025
In the context of US cultural history, however, watermelon carries different connotations—racist ones.
—Longreads, 19 Dec. 2024
Vanity, a word often imbued with negative connotations, was the opening topic of discussion at Miu Miu’s Tales & Tellers program during Art Basel Paris.
—Carita Rizzo, Variety, 18 Oct. 2024
The word Honey was picked for its affectionate connotations and there was a slight nod to it with jars of M&S honey at the breakfast table.
—Hikmat Mohammed, WWD, 15 Oct. 2024
Safiyah Riddle, Fortune, 7 Sep. 2025
Words have deep meaning and kaleidoscopic connotations.
—Jess Collen, Forbes.com, 30 Aug. 2025
If the otherwise silly story of Vance’s vacation has a serious side, then his choice of destination has curious symbolic connotations, too.
—Jon Allsop, New Yorker, 15 Aug. 2025
Exercise should invoke positive connotations, not negative ones.
—Angelica Stabile, FOXNews.com, 14 Aug. 2025
In the context of US cultural history, however, watermelon carries different connotations—racist ones.
—Longreads, 19 Dec. 2024
Vanity, a word often imbued with negative connotations, was the opening topic of discussion at Miu Miu’s Tales & Tellers program during Art Basel Paris.
—Carita Rizzo, Variety, 18 Oct. 2024
The word Honey was picked for its affectionate connotations and there was a slight nod to it with jars of M&S honey at the breakfast table.
—Hikmat Mohammed, WWD, 15 Oct. 2024
Recent Examples of Synonyms for connotations
Noun
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In fact, when safeguards fail or people use them without fully understanding the implications, very sensitive and potentially damaging information could be exposed.—
Bernard Marr,
Forbes.com,
15 Sep. 2025
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The ban also had significant implications for education.—
Nir Kshetri,
The Conversation,
14 Sep. 2025
Noun
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That's because nudity can take on drastically different meanings.—
Charles Trepany,
USA Today,
13 Sep. 2025
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Advertisement Even the engravings with ostensibly political meanings may not be so clear-cut.—
Richard Hall,
Time,
13 Sep. 2025
Noun
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Just as nice, though, is how this gentle creamy cleanser still suds up to a satisfying lather, leaving your limbs—and your senses—feeling refreshed.—
Sophia Panych,
Allure,
16 Sep. 2025
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Focus on indulging in your senses.—
Kyle Thomas,
PEOPLE,
14 Sep. 2025
Noun
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Specialized walking tours go beyond the main landmarks, focusing on themes that bring the city’s culture into sharper focus.—
David Nikel,
Forbes.com,
13 Sep. 2025
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Did themes of aging and mortality seep into your own thinking?—
Brian Hiatt,
Rolling Stone,
13 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
Check out our hints and answers right here.—
Erik Kain,
Forbes.com,
12 Sep. 2025
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For Driscoll, hints of trouble began even before the inauguration, the lawsuit alleges.—
Carrie Johnson,
NPR,
10 Sep. 2025
Noun
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The Los Angeles Lakers have just over a month until the new season begins, but there are no indications that the purple and gold are done making moves.—
Gabe Smallson,
MSNBC Newsweek,
16 Sep. 2025
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And to boot, initial indications are that his injury may require surgery, which could sideline him for at least three months.—
Bruce Y. Lee,
Forbes.com,
15 Sep. 2025
Noun
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Swift’s involvement in the legal battle relates, in part, to suggestions from Lively that Baldoni altered a rooftop scene at the beginning of the film.—
Winston Cho,
HollywoodReporter,
12 Sep. 2025
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Have suggestions for future picks?—
Melody Wilding,
CNBC,
11 Sep. 2025
Noun
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Even before Google’s AI Overview began taking clicks from definitions written by flesh-and-bone lexicographers, the trajectory of the industry was clear.—
Stefan Fatsis,
The Atlantic,
13 Sep. 2025
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As consumers expand their definitions of wellness, Manuka honey’s diverse applications — both nutritional and topical — may support its role in driving long-term growth.—
Footwear News,
Footwear News,
12 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Connotations.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/connotations. Accessed 17 Sep. 2025.
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