1
as in sense
the idea that is conveyed or intended to be conveyed to the mind by language, symbol, or action
the unmistakable meaning of the skier's upraised arms as he finished his spectacular run
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
2
as in purpose
something that one hopes or intends to accomplish
the people have a right to know what the president's meaning is in getting the nation involved in this war
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in suggestive
clearly conveying a special meaning (as one's mood)
gave me a meaning look after I said that
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in denoting
to communicate or convey (as an idea) to the mind
the national anthem means various things to various people
Synonyms & Similar Words
2
as in weighing
to be of importance
your presence at my graduation would mean a lot to me
Synonyms & Similar Words
3
as in planning
to have in mind as a purpose or goal
I mean to win this race
Synonyms & Similar Words
4
as in indicating
to serve as a sign or symptom of
these colder nights mean autumn has truly arrived
Synonyms & Similar Words
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 meaning
Brooks Kubena, New York Times, 23 July 2025
Under humid conditions, temperatures may feel hotter because humidity slows the rate at which your body sweats — meaning, your body's natural cooling system is slowed.
—Sarah Moore, Freep.com, 23 July 2025
Cody Stavenhagen, The Athletic, 25 Mar. 2025
But still, 14 out of 33 is not a majority, meaning most of our voters picked someone other than the obvious preseason favorite to win the whole thing.
—Chad Jennings, The Athletic, 24 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for meaning
Noun
Competition serves the obsession by channeling meaning into a repetitive cycle, Sirianni likened to a pickup basketball game.
—Brooks Kubena, New York Times, 23 July 2025
Under humid conditions, temperatures may feel hotter because humidity slows the rate at which your body sweats — meaning, your body's natural cooling system is slowed.
—Sarah Moore, Freep.com, 23 July 2025
Verb
Before their flight, the Tigers signed veteran outfielder Manuel Margot, meaning there is one fewer spot left to win.
—Cody Stavenhagen, The Athletic, 25 Mar. 2025
But still, 14 out of 33 is not a majority, meaning most of our voters picked someone other than the obvious preseason favorite to win the whole thing.
—Chad Jennings, The Athletic, 24 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for meaning
Recent Examples of Synonyms for meaning
Noun
-
Other elements of The Scout reinforce our sense of this transient atmosphere.—
Lovia Gyarkye,
HollywoodReporter,
14 July 2025
-
These questions are helping businesses turn everyday items into brand moments and, in some cases, into movements created through commonality and a sense of community. 5.—
Douglas Gregory,
Forbes.com,
14 July 2025
Noun
-
This is a time to let go of outdated beliefs or structures that are no longer serving your higher purpose.—
Meghan Rose,
Glamour,
1 Aug. 2025
-
Achieving a small goal (A) can boost your engagement (E) and deepen your sense of purpose (M).—
Mark Travers,
Forbes.com,
1 Aug. 2025
Adjective
-
According to the outlet, the message appears to bear Trump’s signature and included a suggestive drawing.—
Julia Mueller,
The Hill,
29 July 2025
-
The move follows a $10 billion defamation lawsuit Trump filed against the Journal and Rupert Murdoch over a story linking him to Jeffrey Epstein via a suggestive birthday letter.—
Amanda Castro,
MSNBC Newsweek,
22 July 2025
Verb
-
Truly pocket sized and weighing just 165g, FiiO says this is the ideal travel companion thanks to 12 hours of battery life and a two-hour fast-charge mode.—
Mark Sparrow,
Forbes,
5 Jan. 2025
-
Recreationally, Schnell drives vehicles weighing more than 12,000 pounds for stadiums packed with fans.—
Colson Thayer,
People.com,
4 Jan. 2025
Verb
-
For new investors in their early 20s or 30s who have never experienced a market correction or for someone planning on retiring soon, experiencing a market correction can be very unsettling.—
Earl Carr,
Forbes,
25 Mar. 2025
-
Now that the former governor is planning a run for mayor, New Yorkers should hear those questions.—
Peter Arbeeny,
New York Daily News,
1 Mar. 2025
Verb
-
Smoke blew around the crater with weak to moderate pressure and firelight was seen at the peak, indicating that the glowing volcanic material was at a shallow depth.—
arkansasonline.com,
arkansasonline.com,
22 Mar. 2025
-
Currently, there is no data indicating the containment progress of the fire and its cause has not yet been determined.—
CA WILDFIRE BOT,
Sacramento Bee,
22 Mar. 2025
Noun
-
But his sweet gesture fell flat when Brie failed to grasp the significance of the mask.—
Erin Clack,
People.com,
30 July 2025
-
Along the way, participants will learn about native species, local history, and the significance of protecting the springs and the St. Johns River.—
Joe Rassel,
The Orlando Sentinel,
30 July 2025
Noun
-
The International Energy Agency estimates that investment in clean energy must reach $4.5 trillion annually in the 2030s to meet climate goals.—
Justin Worland,
Time,
5 Aug. 2025
-
The goal is not to hand over the keys—but to build stewards who understand the engine.—
Robert Daugherty,
Forbes.com,
5 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Meaning.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/meaning. Accessed 9 Aug. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share