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
-
Judges, rather than legislators or business leaders, are making serious efforts to address the implications of artificial intelligence for society, as demonstrated by recent federal court rulings on copyright and attorney-client privilege.—
Business Columnist,
Los Angeles Times,
6 Mar. 2026
-
The findings may have broader implications beyond planetary defense, notes Masatoshi Hirabayashi, another DART scientist who was not directly involved with the new study and an associate professor in aerospace engineering at the Georgia Institute of Technology.—
Jackie Flynn Mogensen,
Scientific American,
6 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
You are brought to your senses, this time by squawking and the rapid beating of wings.—
Addie Citchens,
New Yorker,
8 Mar. 2026
-
Let some quiet music gently soothe your senses while worries drift away.—
Tarot.com,
New York Daily News,
6 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Cheng said this is also the year of the fire horse, which occurs every 60 years and gives the sign more intense meanings besides those of a regular horse.—
Daniella Walsh,
Oc Register,
1 Mar. 2026
-
The result is a joyful and naturalistic celebration of the term’s many meanings and manifestations.—
Emma Specter,
Vogue,
27 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
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
-
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
-
Meanwhile, there are indications that instability may rebuild this evening in areas south and southeast of the metro, according to the weather service.—
Robert A. Cronkleton
March 6,
Kansas City Star,
6 Mar. 2026
-
In clinical trials, pharmaceutical companies typically foot the bill, but, when the therapy is approved for specific indications, insurance companies or patients have to absorb the cost.—
Jason Liebowitz,
New Yorker,
6 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
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
-
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
-
Other famous Austin murders, shootings Media outlets and government agencies do not agree on the definitions for mass shootings, active killers or mass killings.—
Michael Barnes,
Austin American Statesman,
7 Mar. 2026
-
OpenAI did not provide definitions of these or any other terms in the contract when asked.—
Matteo Wong,
The Atlantic,
7 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Connotations.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/connotations. Accessed 10 Mar. 2026.
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