implication

noun

Definition of implicationnext
1
as in inference
an idea that is conveyed often indirectly He took issue with the implication that he could not be trusted with the assignment.

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2
as in outcome
a future condition or occurrence traceable to a cause They were concerned with the possible implications of the new legislation.

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Dissimilar Words
3
as in allegation
a formal claim of criminal wrongdoing against a person Employees were shocked by the implication of the company's CEO in the crime.

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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 implication There’s a laboriousness to the way the writers set up Camille’s growing disillusionment through multiple scenes where the full implications of the Algorithm’s plans begin to dawn on her. — Noel Murray, Vulture, 17 July 2026 American and international regulators are evaluating the deal for its potential national security implications and impacts to consumers worldwide. — ArsTechnica, 17 July 2026 Understanding the implications of those decisions affords us the opportunity to act differently this time. — Jim Shelton, Fortune, 17 July 2026 Uncertainty for American citizens Beyond legal challenges, the SAVE America Act introduces very real implications for American voters – and the members of Congress who represent them. — Sorelle Wyckoff Gaynor, The Conversation, 17 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for implication
Recent Examples of Synonyms for implication
  1. inference
  2. outcome
  3. allegation
  4. suggestion
  5. ramification
  6. accusation
  7. indication
  8. effect
Noun
  • The researchers also designed GIFT around a technique known as inference-time scaling.
    — Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 18 July 2026
  • But the inference is that the rankings implied where the quarterbacks stood entering 2026.
    — Troy Renck, Denver Post, 17 July 2026
Definition of inference
Noun
  • This area was the same stretch that saw the first two full I-285 blockages, so drivers had a grip on what the outcome could be.
    — Doug Turnbull, AJC.com, 19 July 2026
  • The idea that his legacy should hinge on the outcome of one game — let alone a game settled on a penalty shootout — was the 1,003rd game of his career for club and country.
    — Oliver Kay, New York Times, 19 July 2026
Definition of outcome
Noun
  • Lovell said police would treat an allegation like any other crime.
    — Becca Savransky, Idaho Statesman, 24 July 2026
  • Saulter reported the allegations to the Texas Rangers, and was placed on administrative leave a short time later, according to testimony at the trial.
    — Harriet Ramos, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 24 July 2026
Definition of allegation
Noun
  • So, after the first 48-team World Cup, one featuring hydration breaks at all matches, suspended bans, a half-time show in the final and countless other controversies, what are your suggestions for improvement?
    — The Athletic UK Staff, New York Times, 22 July 2026
  • The second route—beyond the suggestions in the Overlooked section—is exploring the numerous distilleries whose spirit primarily goes into blends.
    — Mark Littler, Forbes.com, 21 July 2026
Definition of suggestion
Noun
  • Both the card and the poem speak of juxtaposition and the ramifications of decisions.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 24 July 2026
  • The World Cup may have ended with Spain’s extra-time goal yesterday, but soccer fans and league presidents alike are still discussing the ramifications of what this year’s tournament may bring the sport for years to come.
    — Catherina Gioino, Fortune, 20 July 2026
Definition of ramification
Noun
  • Reducing legitimate scientific disagreement to accusations of prejudice undermines that effort.
    — Torie Bosch, STAT, 18 July 2026
  • Several troubling new details are included in the articles, including an accusation that ADA leadership knew in advance that members would be handing out copies of the editorial and deliberately set up an ambush by venue security and local police.
    — Jennifer Ouellette, ArsTechnica, 17 July 2026
Definition of accusation
Noun
  • There was no indication that the world’s largest sporting event, the FIFA World Cup 2026, was taking place or that South Florida was playing a key role, hosting seven matches.
    — Vinod Sreeharsha, Miami Herald, 25 July 2026
  • The changing entry-level job market One indication of that restructuring may be the decline in hiring opportunities for new graduates.
    — Felysha Walker, Kansas City Star, 24 July 2026
Definition of indication
Noun
  • Firefighters and authorities in both European countries were caught off guard by the virulence of the fires, which were fueled by high temperatures and the long-term effects of climate change.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 25 July 2026
  • The voucher effect The state’s voucher expansion has had a profound impact on the growth of Catholic schools.
    — Lauren Costantino, Miami Herald, 25 July 2026
Definition of effect

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Cite this Entry

“Implication.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/implication. Accessed 26 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on implication

Nglish: Translation of implication for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about implication

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