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.
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Recent Examples of meaning
Elad Strohmayer, Chicago Tribune, 21 Apr. 2026
Indeed, in the same study, the researchers found that the more related to bodily functions a word was—or the more similar in meaning to moist a word was (say, wet or damp)—the more likely it also was rated high on aversive scales by the same people who found moist unpleasant.
—Literary Hub, 21 Apr. 2026
Kimberlee Speakman, PEOPLE, 4 Feb. 2026
For Robell Awake, the chair is a meaning-laden object, symbolic of rest, a stand-in for the human body, a reflection of historical power dynamics.
—Felicia Feaster, AJC.com, 30 Jan. 2026
Francie Ebert, NBC news, 24 Apr. 2026
Overall, vaccination was associated with about a 46% reduction in risk, meaning those who received the vaccine had roughly half the risk compared with those who were unvaccinated.
—Katia Hetter, CNN Money, 24 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for meaning
Noun
On Israeli Independence Day, reclaiming the true and original meaning of Zionism is not about winning an argument.
—Elad Strohmayer, Chicago Tribune, 21 Apr. 2026
Indeed, in the same study, the researchers found that the more related to bodily functions a word was—or the more similar in meaning to moist a word was (say, wet or damp)—the more likely it also was rated high on aversive scales by the same people who found moist unpleasant.
—Literary Hub, 21 Apr. 2026
Adjective
To see you as a newborn child and then to look at you and to know that every step along the way, to witness that journey, is the most meaning aspect of my life.
—Kimberlee Speakman, PEOPLE, 4 Feb. 2026
For Robell Awake, the chair is a meaning-laden object, symbolic of rest, a stand-in for the human body, a reflection of historical power dynamics.
—Felicia Feaster, AJC.com, 30 Jan. 2026
Verb
This tripped a fuse, meaning there was no heat in the building the night the sloths died.
—Francie Ebert, NBC news, 24 Apr. 2026
Overall, vaccination was associated with about a 46% reduction in risk, meaning those who received the vaccine had roughly half the risk compared with those who were unvaccinated.
—Katia Hetter, CNN Money, 24 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for meaning
Recent Examples of Synonyms for meaning
Noun
-
That’s not to say the decisions were easy and lacked a sense of foreboding.—
Michael Smolens,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
26 Apr. 2026
-
February 19 – March 20 Small choices today create a sense of ease that lasts.—
Tarot.com,
Hartford Courant,
26 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Princess Elizabeth and her family toured the Sandringham Park grounds, which were being used for agricultural purposes to contribute to the war efforts, in August 1943.—
Stephanie Sengwe,
PEOPLE,
21 Apr. 2026
-
William West | Afp | Getty Images Shares in Japan's largest defense company Mitsubishi Heavy Industries climbed nearly 4% Monday after the country finalized an agreement with Australia for building three general purpose frigates.—
Lim Hui Jie,
CNBC,
20 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
For example, do different networks rate explicit language, suggestive language and violent programming similarly, or are some networks prone to provide a lesser rating than others?—
Todd Spangler,
Variety,
22 Apr. 2026
-
On Chinese social media, some people said that K-pop — with its suggestive dance moves — is not appropriate for children.—
Ken Moritsugu,
Fortune,
10 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
In the same note, Kettner shared a chart denoting the impact of biggest escalations on equities since 1990.—
Lisa Kailai Han,
CNBC,
20 Apr. 2026
-
Their jump wings had the tiny inlaid gold stars denoting combat jumps.—
Edward Lotterman,
Twin Cities,
29 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
The state’s highest court, the SJC, heard arguments in a community lawsuit filed by the Defenders and Emerald Necklace Conservancy earlier this month, and is weighing its claim that the project’s professional soccer use would illegally privatize public parkland.—
Gayla Cawley,
Boston Herald,
24 Apr. 2026
-
He was found weak and malnourished in the mountains of Ventura County — weighing only 17 pounds.—
Staff report,
Daily News,
23 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
The district recently approved new course materials for some high school math courses, and is planning for a middle school Spanish language arts pilot and new advanced high school welding class to start next school year.—
Molly Morrow,
Chicago Tribune,
21 Apr. 2026
-
JPMorgan Chase is planning to consolidate workspace for existing Charlotte workers and account for more hiring by moving into a SouthPark office that has room for over 1,000 workers, further expanding its push into the hometown territory of rival banks.—
Chase Jordan
April 21,
Charlotte Observer,
21 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Contracts are priced between 1 cent (indicating a low probability) and 99 cents (indicating a high probability), and settle at $1 if the outcome is correct.—
Encyclopedia Britannica,
Encyclopedia Britannica,
24 Apr. 2026
-
Lain was part of a group of concerned residents who went to Godley Superintendent Rich Dear with information about Ketcherside’s prior convictions and evidence indicating Ketcherside was still involved in prostitution.—
Matthew Adams,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
24 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
This remarkable find was unearthed at the earliest military camp discovered in the area, which holds national significance due to its Roman remains.—
Maria Mocerino,
Interesting Engineering,
25 Apr. 2026
-
Britain’s strategic significance for the United States eroded further with Brexit, starting in 2016 with the approval of a referendum to leave the European Union and the formal withdrawal four years later.—
Michael Collins,
USA Today,
25 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Meaning.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/meaning. Accessed 27 Apr. 2026.
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