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

Apple Silicon uses custom designs, which means there are no off-the-shelf system-on-chip options; everything has to be designed specifically for Apple. — Ewan Spence, Forbes.com, 10 Aug. 2026

That means more strikes are hitting their targets, more critical and economic infrastructure is being damaged, and more civilians are killed each week. — Lauren Kent, CNN Money, 9 Aug. 2026

Too often, this means taxpayer dollars are fueling the very gun violence that plagues neighborhoods and communities nationwide. — Kris Brown, Chicago Tribune, 9 Aug. 2026

Which means The Odyssey has beat Avatar to become the highest-grossing Imax film ever, too. — Bethy Squires, Vulture, 9 Aug. 2026

In the meantime, Baltzer knows the reality of the situation means Deep Isolation may have to develop its first commercial project internationally. — Jordan Blum, Fortune, 9 Aug. 2026

Which means between now and next June, the Nuggets have to show him something. — Sean Keeler, Denver Post, 9 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

Noun

Communism is a political and economic system in which property, means of production and natural resources are collectively owned by the community or state, rather than private individuals, and divided either equally or according to need. — Elizabeth Shackelford, Chicago Tribune, 7 Aug. 2026

Throughout the night, Allie and Owen’s paths continue to cross in the hotbed of lust sweeping across the Big Apple, leading each to wonder if they are truly meant for each other or just there to exist as the means for a desperate encounter. — Tim Lammers, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2026

In the meantime, read on for what the sun trine Saturn retrograde means for your zodiac sign. — Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 6 Aug. 2026

Jahdae Barron hadn’t been off to a particularly bad start in training camp, by any means. — Parker Gabriel, Denver Post, 6 Aug. 2026

Hackers can then use that data to try to steal your identity through phishing attempts, imposter scams or other means. — Evan Zimmer, CNBC, 6 Aug. 2026

Washington is bound by its own laws to provide Taiwan with the means to defend itself. — ABC News, 6 Aug. 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

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

Phrases Containing means

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