Synonyms of mean
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as in to signify 
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as in to matter
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as in to intend
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as in to indicate
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as in middle
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as in doing
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as in ministry
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as in worth
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as in average
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as in low
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as in stingy
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as in cruel
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as in dirty
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as in inferior
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as in awesome
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as in dilapidated
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as in lame
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1
as in to signify
to communicate or convey (as an idea) to the mind
the national anthem means various things to various people
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
2
as in to matter
to be of importance
your presence at my graduation would mean a lot to me
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3
as in to intend
to have in mind as a purpose or goal
I mean to win this race
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1
as in middle
a middle point between extremes
that candidate's moderate views were seen as the mean that voters were looking for
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in doing
means plural
an action planned or taken to achieve a desired result
won the competition by fair and honest means
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3
as in ministry
means plural
something used to achieve an end
the ends don't justify the means
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4
as in worth
means plural
the total of one's money and property
a woman of considerable means
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in average
being about midway between extremes of amount or size
for the state of Florida, what is the mean number of sunny days per month?
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in low
belonging to the class of people of low social or economic rank
Alexander Hamilton seems to have had feelings of inferiority because of his mean origins
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2
as in stingy
giving or sharing as little as possible
a mean child who hoarded all her toys
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in cruel
having or showing a desire to cause someone pain or suffering for the sheer enjoyment of it
a mean, embittered old woman who wanted company for her misery
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4
as in dirty
not following or in accordance with standards of honor and decency
a mean trick to play on a trusting person
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5
as in inferior
of little or less value or merit
it's no mean feat to memorize that long poem
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6
as in awesome
of the very best kind
I'm a mean dancer, so you could do worse than go to the prom with me
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7
as in dilapidated
showing signs of advanced wear and tear and neglect
he worked hard to escape the mean neighborhood of his youth
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8
as in lame
arousing or deserving of one's loathing and disgust
that was no mean stunt to pull off, especially with so little advance preparation
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Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Recent Examples of mean
Amy Brownstein, Verywell Health, 31 July 2025
However, just because doing laundry isn’t the most beloved task, doesn’t mean it shouldn’t be done right.
—Melissa Locker, Southern Living, 31 July 2025
Ashley Lutz, Fortune, 31 July 2025
As the report explains, China has been resorting to tactics such as surveillance, online harassment, and threats to family members abroad as means of transnational repression.
—Dr. Ewelina U. Ochab, Forbes.com, 30 July 2025
Zoe Baillargeon, Travel + Leisure, 20 July 2025
In the last trial, more than 75% of participants reached their target fat volume loss after one or two injections, and the mean fat loss was more than double this.
—New Atlas, 19 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for mean
Verb
That means some supplement products may not contain what the label says.
—Amy Brownstein, Verywell Health, 31 July 2025
However, just because doing laundry isn’t the most beloved task, doesn’t mean it shouldn’t be done right.
—Melissa Locker, Southern Living, 31 July 2025
Noun
Waiting until 70 means delayed but higher benefits that are more advantageous long-term.
—Ashley Lutz, Fortune, 31 July 2025
As the report explains, China has been resorting to tactics such as surveillance, online harassment, and threats to family members abroad as means of transnational repression.
—Dr. Ewelina U. Ochab, Forbes.com, 30 July 2025
Adjective
Grab lunch at Red Hills Market or Merenda Italian Deli (both make a mean sandwich) before popping into Sokol Blosser or Durant Vineyards, ending in Dayton with dinner at Loam and overnighting in a retro Airstream at The Vintages campground.
—Zoe Baillargeon, Travel + Leisure, 20 July 2025
In the last trial, more than 75% of participants reached their target fat volume loss after one or two injections, and the mean fat loss was more than double this.
—New Atlas, 19 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for mean
Recent Examples of Synonyms for mean
Verb
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For a fair assessment, the returns of peer stocks also signify post-earnings one-day (1D) returns.—
Trefis Team,
Forbes.com,
29 July 2025
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This moment signifies an opportunity to bridge the intergenerational gap – ensuring women of all ages are equipped with the information, tools, and resources to live well to and through menopause – and to encourage women to advocate for themselves and their experiences.—
Chloe Castleberry,
Flow Space,
29 July 2025
Verb
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Support journalism that digs deeper into topics that matter most to Arkansans.—
Matt Byrne,
Arkansas Online,
1 Aug. 2025
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What matters now is that your next move is in alignment with your truth.—
Valerie Mesa,
People.com,
1 Aug. 2025
Verb
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The initiative was intended to replace Abrams tanks and Bradley Infantry Fighting vehicles with a fleet of manned and unmanned systems.—
Tom Vanden Brook,
USA Today,
2 Aug. 2025
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The majority of the community was forcibly displaced in the 1950s to make way for Dodger Stadium — despite the fact that the land was originally intended to be used for affordable housing.—
Toria Sheffield,
People.com,
2 Aug. 2025
Verb
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The Main State Fire Marshal is still investigating the incident, but initial findings indicate liquid propane gas was seemingly leaking into and beneath the camper prior to the incident, according to fire officials.—
Abigail Adams,
People.com,
29 July 2025
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The study indicated that direct spending on diving activities generates $900 million to $3.2 billion annually and between $8.5 billion and $20.4 billion when including indirect spending on accommodations and local services.—
Ashley Mackin Solomon,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
29 July 2025
Noun
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Not long after that, Horton got a step on cornerback Riq Woolen and caught a strike over the middle from Darnold.—
Michael-Shawn Dugar,
New York Times,
30 July 2025
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The Black Hawk collided with the passenger jet over the middle of the Potomac River.—
Ben Mause,
Baltimore Sun,
30 July 2025
Noun
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As more professionals challenge the culture of constant doing, a new narrative is emerging: that the most strategic, creative, and sustainable work comes not from never stopping—but from knowing when to pause.—
Aparna Rae,
Forbes.com,
30 July 2025
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But another macabre aspect to this case is the state’s doing.—
Orlando Sentinel,
The Orlando Sentinel,
29 July 2025
Noun
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Newsweek has contacted the Chinese defense and foreign ministries for comment via email.—
Ryan Chan,
MSNBC Newsweek,
28 July 2025
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Our careers have touched every corner of society — ministry, education, arts and culture, politics, sports and entertainment and business.—
Reader Commentary,
Baltimore Sun,
28 July 2025
Noun
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To many American consumers, Williams said, financial comfort means having enough net worth to meet their needs and wants.—
Daniel de Visé,
USA Today,
26 July 2025
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Unlike Columbia’s conciliatory approach, Harvard has responded to these new threats, along with $2 billion worth of federal funding cuts, by suing the administration.—
Liz Doe Stone,
Forbes.com,
26 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Mean.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/mean. Accessed 7 Aug. 2025.
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