Synonyms of means

means 1 of 2

verb

present tense third-person singular of mean

1

as in signifies

to communicate or convey (as an idea) to the mind

the national anthem means various things to various people

Synonyms & Similar Words

• signifies
• implies
• denotes
• indicates
• suggests
• intends
• spells
• expresses
• explains
• represents
• imports
• infers
• symbolizes
• connotes
• symbols
• specifies
• mentions
• hints
• amounts (to)
• announces
• embodies
• refers (to)
• points (to)
• signals
• intimates
• adds up (to)
• alludes (to)
• proclaims
• touches (on or upon)
• personifies
• epitomizes
• cites
• instances
• designates
• insinuates
• declares
• elucidates
• adverts

2

as in matters

to be of importance

your presence at my graduation would mean a lot to me

Synonyms & Similar Words

• matters
• weighs
• signifies
• counts
• influences
• affects
• imports
• cuts ice
• carries weight
• concerns
• amounts (to)
• adds up (to)
• sways

3

as in intends

to have in mind as a purpose or goal

I mean to win this race

Synonyms & Similar Words

• intends
• plans
• contemplates
• hopes
• purposes
• goes
• aims
• looks
• proposes
• wishes
• tries
• purports
• allows
• calculates
• aspires
• designs
• considers
• figures on
• attempts
• meditates
• dreams
• strives
• accomplishes
• achieves
• struggles
• schemes
• debates
• plots
• ponders
• performs
• effects
• executes
• endeavors
• mulls (over)

4

as in indicates

to serve as a sign or symptom of

these colder nights mean autumn has truly arrived

Synonyms & Similar Words

• indicates
• signifies
• denotes
• points (to)
• tells (of)
• betokens
• bodes
• bespeaks
• presages
• foretells
• foreshows

means

2 of 2

noun

plural of mean

1

as in measure

an action planned or taken to achieve a desired result

won the competition by fair and honest means

Synonyms & Similar Words

• measure
• step
• move
• action
• effort
• shift
• attempt
• expedient
• resource
• doing
• procedure
• act
• process
• operation
• course
• initiative
• try
• dealing
• proceeding
• activity
• success
• feat
• while
• deed
• thing
• project
• accomplishment
• attainment
• work
• endeavor
• exploit
• achievement
• coup
• triumph
• proposal
• event
• pass
• undertaking
• enterprise
• trouble
• proposition
• go
• business
• exertion
• labor
• resort
• crack
• stab
• pains
• essay
• trial
• shot
• affair
• whack
• counterstep
• stopgap
• countermeasure
• fling
• makeshift
• countermove

2

as in instrumentality

something used to achieve an end

the ends don't justify the means

Synonyms & Similar Words

• instrumentality
• instrument
• agent
• vehicle
• mechanism
• factor
• tool
• power
• incentive
• agency
• machinery
• organ
• ministry
• influence
• medium
• reason
• ingredient
• cause
• impetus
• determinant
• weapon
• catalyst
• driver
• expedient
• stimulus
• generator
• inspiration
• trigger
• antecedent
• executor
• occasion
• activator
• instigation
• mover
• instigator
• launcher
• energizer
• animator
• subagency
• subagent

3

as in wealth

the total of one's money and property

a woman of considerable means

Synonyms & Similar Words

• wealth
• assets
• things
• money
• capital
• worth
• funds
• fortune
• riches
• substance
• possessions
• wherewithal
• effects
• resources
• success
• prosperity
• savings
• opulence
• holdings
• finances
• property
• belongings
• abundance
• wallet
• acquisition
• affluence
• chattels
• paraphernalia
• personal property
• treasure
• deep pockets
• bankroll
• personalty
• treasury
• accession
• reserve
• nest egg
• valuables

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• liabilities
• debts
• indebtedness

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of means

Verb

Communication Problems Are Shaped By Expectations Most people assume searching a computer screen means looking everywhere. — Dr. Diane Hamilton, Forbes.com, 3 Aug. 2026

That means moving on from Plum, who will be an unrestricted free agent in the offseason. — Sabreena Merchant, New York Times, 2 Aug. 2026

In fact, the root system of a mature tree is often two to four times the diameter of the tree’s crown, which means those expansive roots are quite likely taking up residence on your side of the property line. — Samantha Johnson, Martha Stewart, 2 Aug. 2026

This means Scott has little oversight in how funds are used, a practice called unrestricted giving. — Sydney Lake, Fortune, 2 Aug. 2026

This format means the home team — the Party Animals in Boise — will have the chance to walk off every single inning. — Idaho Statesman, 27 July 2026

But its $1,199 price point, up $100 from last year's phone, means the Z Flip 8 has to make up the difference. — Florence Ion, PC Magazine, 26 July 2026

An average of 40 minutes means that some people were waiting considerably longer. — Armstrong Williams, Baltimore Sun, 26 July 2026

Noun

With an international wedding on the horizon, old friendships are tested, relationships evolve, and everyone is forced to confront what growing up really means. — Peter White, Deadline, 31 July 2026

Many of her events cost $15 or less, and Torres offers discounts or other financial support for women who want to attend but don’t have the financial means to. — Camila Pedrosa, Sacbee.com, 31 July 2026

Larger returns often come from studios that have the means and support to build multiple long-term products and create sustainable ecosystems. — Roman Gurskiy, Forbes.com, 31 July 2026

Stefanishyna told reporters at an event sponsored by the Christian Science Monitor on Thursday, July 30, that Ukraine's only intention is to deprive Russia of the means to wage its war against her country. — Francesca Chambers, USA Today, 31 July 2026

Using tech as a quick and easy way of updating a story isn’t a new concept by any means. — Andrew Webster, The Verge, 31 July 2026

George Pickens generates crowd excitement The crowd on-hand at the River Ridge Playing Fields in Oxnard wasn’t packed by any means in the middle of a weekday, but there were a good amount of youth groups and Cowboys fans on-hand. — Nick Harris, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 30 July 2026

It should also be appreciated that Microsoft is investing within its means. — Jeff Marks, CNBC, 30 July 2026

Others worry that maintaining the boundary means ignoring the child’s emotions. — Jillian Pretzel, Parents, 25 July 2026

Phrases Containing means

• by all means
• by means of
• by no means