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
Maureen Lee Lenker, EW.com, 24 May 2025
In the original meaning of the word catholic, Leo has a remarkable record of quiet global engagement, from the grassroots to the elite, a wide-ranging worldview.
—Emmett Coyne, The Hill, 23 May 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
Filmmakers took the meaning of Ohana to heart when casting the live action update.
—Maureen Lee Lenker, EW.com, 24 May 2025
In the original meaning of the word catholic, Leo has a remarkable record of quiet global engagement, from the grassroots to the elite, a wide-ranging worldview.
—Emmett Coyne, The Hill, 23 May 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
-
This issue was built around residences that offer respite from the routine: homes that are in harmony with their environment and the rhythms of their inhabitants, and that offer an unabashed sense of fantasy and locale.—
Amy Astley,
Architectural Digest,
28 May 2025
-
Amazon | Steam | Official Website At this point, Elden Ring is well-known for its epic sense of scale, offering players dozens of hours of meticulous exploration, gradual character progression, and unforgiving enemy encounters that require deliberate care and strategy.—
ArsTechnica,
ArsTechnica,
28 May 2025
Noun
-
These rituals included a physical action, an emotional expression and a shared sense of purpose.—
Vibhas Ratanjee,
Forbes.com,
2 June 2025
-
This was still wild country, and Fuller set off with the express purpose of producing a book about her journey.—
James Marcus,
New Yorker,
2 June 2025
Adjective
-
Carmichael is an entertaining and observant narrator of his own story, and, ultimately, even jokes about Pop-Tarts or Donald Trump or blowjobs are suggestive reflections of the comedian who tells them.—
Kathryn VanArendonk,
Vulture,
23 May 2025
-
As the narrative unfolds, her mundane tasks take a playful turn, with suggestive dance moves punctuating her daydreams, until Wheeler suddenly appears unannounced, leaving both characters caught in a moment of shy intrigue.—
Isabela Raygoza,
Billboard,
13 May 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
-
Through her lectures and art, Sangeetha champions faith, inclusivity, and the spiritual significance of cultures, striving to create a more compassionate, understanding, and harmonious world.—
Benjamin Liong Setiawan,
Forbes.com,
31 May 2025
-
Just take a hike along the tundra regions of Western Canada, and the significance of that phrase will become clear to you.—
Tracy Scott Forson,
Smithsonian Magazine,
30 May 2025
Noun
-
The goal is to haul Ford vehicles from the Kentucky Truck Plant to dealerships anywhere in the nation.—
Jamie L. LaReau,
USA Today,
26 May 2025
-
Those goals were just the fourth and fifth in 14 games this spring.—
Daniel Nugent-Bowman,
New York Times,
26 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Meaning.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/meaning. Accessed 7 Jun. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share