1
as in senses
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 purposes
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
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 meanings
Citizenship had all kinds of symbolic meanings.
—
David Frum, The Atlantic, 10 June 2026
Aiyuk appears to direct two common insults at the subject of the video — almost certainly the 49ers — by using the literal, nonprofane meanings of the terms rather than saying the vulgar words themselves.
—Sean Campbell, Sacbee.com, 9 June 2026
What seems so straightforward on the surface eventually reveals deeper meanings and truths.
—Stuart Berman, Pitchfork, 4 June 2026
In her work with zebra finches, Elie has categorized 11 of the birds’ calls, linking them to distinct meanings such as hunger, danger, bonding and social conflict.
—Katie Hunt, CNN Money, 3 June 2026
Learn about 14 different LGBTQ+ flags and their meanings and print out free coloring pages—just in time for Pride Month!
—Nicole Harris, Parents, 2 June 2026
This month, despite the spring of it all, my favorite covers were strange and dark, their meanings obscure.
—Emily Temple, Literary Hub, 29 May 2026
As imperial forces traversed continents, the meanings and uses of these arrivals—whether people, plants, or ideologies— were actively negotiated and reshaped by the societies and environments compelled to contend with them.
—Sophia Rey, JSTOR Daily, 28 May 2026
Instead of direct feedback, their vague responses, pauses, or neutral expressions force staff to constantly interpret unsaid meanings, creating significant cognitive load.
—Benjamin Laker, Forbes.com, 26 May 2026
David Frum, The Atlantic, 10 June 2026
Aiyuk appears to direct two common insults at the subject of the video — almost certainly the 49ers — by using the literal, nonprofane meanings of the terms rather than saying the vulgar words themselves.
—Sean Campbell, Sacbee.com, 9 June 2026
What seems so straightforward on the surface eventually reveals deeper meanings and truths.
—Stuart Berman, Pitchfork, 4 June 2026
In her work with zebra finches, Elie has categorized 11 of the birds’ calls, linking them to distinct meanings such as hunger, danger, bonding and social conflict.
—Katie Hunt, CNN Money, 3 June 2026
Learn about 14 different LGBTQ+ flags and their meanings and print out free coloring pages—just in time for Pride Month!
—Nicole Harris, Parents, 2 June 2026
This month, despite the spring of it all, my favorite covers were strange and dark, their meanings obscure.
—Emily Temple, Literary Hub, 29 May 2026
As imperial forces traversed continents, the meanings and uses of these arrivals—whether people, plants, or ideologies— were actively negotiated and reshaped by the societies and environments compelled to contend with them.
—Sophia Rey, JSTOR Daily, 28 May 2026
Instead of direct feedback, their vague responses, pauses, or neutral expressions force staff to constantly interpret unsaid meanings, creating significant cognitive load.
—Benjamin Laker, Forbes.com, 26 May 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for meanings
Noun
-
Consider a small refresh by choosing soft clothes that soothe your senses, which helps your energy stay even through conversations and errands.—
Tarot.com,
The Orlando Sentinel,
6 June 2026
-
Embr Wave is a personal thermostat for your wrist that activates your thermal senses at the touch of a button through the use of precise cooling and warming sensations.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
6 June 2026
Noun
-
Except where prohibited, acceptance of the Prize constitutes winner’s consent to Sponsor’s use of winner’s name, likeness, photograph, voice, opinions, biographical information, hometown, and state for promotional purposes in any media without further payment of consideration.—
AJC.com,
AJC.com,
8 June 2026
-
This article is for informational purposes only and does not substitute for professional medical advice.—
William Jones
June 8,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
8 June 2026
Noun
-
There were no details on the message’s contents.—
Kareem Chehayeb,
Fortune,
7 June 2026
-
There were no details on the contents of the message.—
Marlene Lenthang,
NBC news,
7 June 2026
Noun
-
Mbappe, 27, scored a hat-trick in France’s loss to Argentina in the 2022 World Cup final, claiming the tournament’s Golden Boot with eight goals, and is only four goals behind Germany’s Miroslav Klose on the World Cup all-time scoring list.—
Scott M. Reid,
Oc Register,
10 June 2026
-
The Hurricanes came out roaring in the first period in this one as well, scoring three goals to the Golden Knights’ one by captain Mark Stone.—
Scott Thompson,
FOXNews.com,
10 June 2026
Noun
-
The Griffins signaled their postseason intentions at the SCGA qualifier.—
Dan Albano,
Oc Register,
12 June 2026
-
Granger's intentions are honorable, and O'Donnell sparks his performance with life, making his tragic end that much more gutting.—
Eric Farwell,
Entertainment Weekly,
12 June 2026
Noun
-
Jones, a junior infielder/pitcher, had other ideas.—
Steve Millar,
Chicago Tribune,
11 June 2026
-
But producing candidate ideas was never the whole job.—
Christian Catalini,
Forbes.com,
11 June 2026
Noun
-
Factors In Kenya’s Sovereign Credit Rating Rise There are usually multiple significances to a credit rating action.—
Ann Rutledge,
Forbes.com,
31 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
Over the course of several interviews over the past month, Charlotte-area parents described child care not as a normal consumer decision but as something closer to a strategic campaign involving timing, networking, luck, financial compromise and backup plans layered on top of backup plans.—
Théoden Janes,
Charlotte Observer,
11 June 2026
-
Across California’s capital region, many businesses have announced plans to screen some — or all — of the World Cup matches for the most dedicated of fans.—
Camila Pedrosa,
Sacbee.com,
11 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Meanings.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/meanings. Accessed 14 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
