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
Rachel Hale, USA Today, 19 June 2025
The 76-year-old Madison resident doesn’t volunteer anymore, but the Travelers now carries another level of personal meaning for him and his wife Helen.
—Emily Adams, Hartford Courant, 18 June 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
But songs have all kinds of meanings for people, and evidently this struck a chord.
—Rachel Hale, USA Today, 19 June 2025
The 76-year-old Madison resident doesn’t volunteer anymore, but the Travelers now carries another level of personal meaning for him and his wife Helen.
—Emily Adams, Hartford Courant, 18 June 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
-
There is not an American President—Bill Clinton, George H. W. or George W. Bush, Barack Obama, Joe Biden, or Donald Trump—who has dealt with Netanyahu and not, sooner or later, come away with a lingering sense of resentment.—
David Remnick,
New Yorker,
21 June 2025
-
That is thanks, in large part, to Meland’s sense of childlike wonder—not so far from that of fellow synthesizer maestros Dan Deacon and Anna Meredith.—
Nina Corcoran,
Pitchfork,
20 June 2025
Noun
-
The unusually large influx of immigrants in detention meant a backlog was created at the office in Burlington, causing people arrested on an immigration violation to be held for days in a facility unequipped for the purpose, according to lawyers for the detainees.—
Ben Adler,
USA Today,
14 June 2025
-
While these measures aim to increase efficiency and reduce unnecessary costs by eliminating administrative burdens, DEI may have served a crucial purpose in enhancing VA services to its underserved veteran communities.—
Cristina Johnson,
The Orlando Sentinel,
14 June 2025
Adjective
-
Commenters argued the suggestive nature of the song could direct bad actors toward LaR'iyah's videos.—
Rachel Hale,
USA Today,
11 June 2025
-
The movie is quite true to its world - a world full of slapstick comedy, unfunny jokes, and vulgar and suggestive dialogues.—
Sweta Kaushal,
Forbes.com,
10 June 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
-
Jennings said the preservation and rehabilitation of the chapel is crucial due to its historical and architectural significance, and community value.—
Damenica Ellis,
Charlotte Observer,
24 June 2025
-
Several hundred locals gathered outside the property gates on Sunday to protest the detention center and call for the protection of the land, stressing its special significance to Native Americans as well as conservationists, according to member station WGCU.—
Rachel Treisman,
NPR,
24 June 2025
Noun
-
The consortium’s goal is make Connecticut a premier hub for AI innovation.—
Kenneth R. Gosselin,
Hartford Courant,
18 June 2025
-
Scoring, of course, would go a long way in achieving that goal.—
Gary Phillips,
New York Daily News,
18 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Meaning.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/meaning. Accessed 29 Jun. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share