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
Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 24 Oct. 2025
In addition to being a sentimental business venture, MEDASE also carries deep emotional meaning.
—Essence, 24 Oct. 2025
Big Think, 14 Aug. 2025
Helen Carefoot, Flow Space, 31 Oct. 2025
What Happens Next Congress remains at a standstill over funding, meaning wages for federal workers remain on hold, as do vital services.
—Dan Gooding, MSNBC Newsweek, 31 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for meaning
Noun
Sometimes, Death in the Family seems to be saying that our attempt to assign deeper meanings to acts of violence obfuscates how mean or petty human nature can be.
—Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 24 Oct. 2025
In addition to being a sentimental business venture, MEDASE also carries deep emotional meaning.
—Essence, 24 Oct. 2025
Adjective
The more money one has, the less meaning work has to that person.
—Big Think, 14 Aug. 2025
Verb
Diet and exercise are modifiable, meaning someone has control over them.
—Helen Carefoot, Flow Space, 31 Oct. 2025
What Happens Next Congress remains at a standstill over funding, meaning wages for federal workers remain on hold, as do vital services.
—Dan Gooding, MSNBC Newsweek, 31 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for meaning
Recent Examples of Synonyms for meaning
Noun
-
Filler shots of chauffeurs, champagne and colossal walk-in closets with pristine designer clobber glistening and gleaming from glass shelves centred around trays and trays of priceless jewels assault the viewer’s senses between almost every scene.—
Alejandra Gularte,
Vulture,
5 Nov. 2025
-
For all the fans’ cries for the team to go all in, there’s still the matter of dollars and sense.—
Jeff Zrebiec,
New York Times,
5 Nov. 2025
Noun
-
However, this approach defeats the primary purpose of insurance, which is to protect against catastrophic costs in the event of an unexpected medical crisis.—
Jasmine Laws,
MSNBC Newsweek,
6 Nov. 2025
-
Grief pressed in, but so did purpose.—
Preezy Brown,
VIBE.com,
5 Nov. 2025
Adjective
-
This period also saw Husain exploring female forms, including images of Hindu goddesses like Durga and Lakshmi, sometimes in suggestive or erotic poses.—
Oscar Holland,
CNN Money,
24 Oct. 2025
-
Even more suggestive of charter value, Rick Ware and Legacy Motor Club have battled in court over the sale of a charter for $45 million.—
Michael McCann,
Sportico.com,
23 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
The other was an official air force photo with a gold star denoting his new rank affixed to the shoulder epaulet.—
Joshua Goodman,
Fortune,
28 Oct. 2025
-
Blue circles mark Taiwan’s naval assets, with red denoting China’s.—
Charlie Campbell,
Time,
23 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
The seams between bricks of any wall, some of the blocks weighing tons, feel as smooth to the touch as a faint scar.—
Ryan Knighton,
AFAR Media,
31 Oct. 2025
-
If someone is out there weighing that kind of choice, Lutz urged them to call 211 and ask about whether there’s financial help available.—
Cathie Anderson,
Sacbee.com,
30 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
The next year, eleven journalists went on to form the White House Correspondents’ Association in response to rumors that the Congressional Standing Committee of Correspondents was planning on selecting which reporters were invited to presidential news conferences.—
JSTOR Daily,
JSTOR Daily,
7 Nov. 2025
-
They had been alerted that Running Fence was planning to enter the ocean despite having no permit.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
7 Nov. 2025
Verb
-
Olsavsky indicating that spending will likely increase again in 2026.—
Dave Smith,
Fortune,
2 Nov. 2025
-
Health inspectors said mussels were missing a sticky note indicating when they should be discarded.—
Sacbee.com,
Sacbee.com,
31 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
In addition to being around her work, Zohran appreciates the significance behind it.—
Makena Gera,
PEOPLE,
4 Nov. 2025
-
Each month’s full moon has a different name that carries cultural significance.—
Chantelle Lee,
Time,
4 Nov. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Meaning.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/meaning. Accessed 7 Nov. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share