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
Relevance
2
as in matters
to be of importance
your presence at my graduation would mean a lot to me
Synonyms & Similar Words
3
as in intends
to have in mind as a purpose or goal
I mean to win this race
Synonyms & Similar Words
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
2
as in instrumentality
something used to achieve an end
the ends don't justify the means
Synonyms & Similar Words
3
as in wealth
the total of one's money and property
a woman of considerable means
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of means
James Ward, USA Today, 18 Feb. 2026
What this means for global luxury The lesson of the Fire Horse year goes beyond its symbolism.
—Yiling Pan, Vogue, 17 Feb. 2026
This means the poles are 'colder' than the equator due to the lack of energy being absorbed.
—Ron Smiley, CBS News, 17 Feb. 2026
That means faster treatment, fewer delays and better outcomes for both mothers and babies.
—Shane Strum, Sun Sentinel, 17 Feb. 2026
That means the drugs may alter hormone levels and the systems that control how the body uses energy and nutrients, which help regulate the hair growth cycle and could shift more hairs into a shedding phase.
—Tom Gavin, EverydayHealth.com, 17 Feb. 2026
In many places where cool-season grasses are planted, this means April.
—Peg Aloi, The Spruce, 17 Feb. 2026
Make your vehicle visible to others both ahead of you and behind you by using your low-beam headlights since this means your taillights will also be on.
—Nc Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 17 Feb. 2026
That additional charge, coupled with other local taxes, means women in Pakistan face a 40% surcharge on period products, according to UNICEF, pricing out the most vulnerable.
—Sana Noor Haq, CNN Money, 11 Feb. 2026
Katie Mathews, Condé Nast Traveler, 17 Feb. 2026
Torres has a controversial legacy in Colombia, where conservatives have long derided his decision to seek political change through violent means.
—Manuel Rueda, Los Angeles Times, 16 Feb. 2026
Vapes, for example, are small, portable and have a less distinctive odor than a lot of other means of consuming THC, the active ingredient in marijuana.
—Rebecca Noel, Charlotte Observer, 16 Feb. 2026
Rose throws herself into the labor and soon becomes a man of influence and means.
—Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 16 Feb. 2026
No one is quite sure what 6-7 means, and Skrilla kept it that way when asked for a definition.
—ABC News, 16 Feb. 2026
Vrabel and top front-office executives Eliot Wolf, Ryan Cowden and John Streicher have over $40 million in cap space (with other means to free up more) and 11 selections in the 2026 NFL Draft.
—Doug Kyed, Boston Herald, 16 Feb. 2026
Navalny died while held in prison, meaning Russia had the means, motive and opportunity to administer this poison to him.
—CBS News, 16 Feb. 2026
But because many people struggle to get enough vitamin D through natural means, a supplement may be appropriate for those concerned about bone health, Drake said.
—Jamie Ducharme, Health, 9 Feb. 2026
Verb
That means potential payoffs but also extreme danger.
—James Ward, USA Today, 18 Feb. 2026
What this means for global luxury The lesson of the Fire Horse year goes beyond its symbolism.
—Yiling Pan, Vogue, 17 Feb. 2026
This means the poles are 'colder' than the equator due to the lack of energy being absorbed.
—Ron Smiley, CBS News, 17 Feb. 2026
That means faster treatment, fewer delays and better outcomes for both mothers and babies.
—Shane Strum, Sun Sentinel, 17 Feb. 2026
That means the drugs may alter hormone levels and the systems that control how the body uses energy and nutrients, which help regulate the hair growth cycle and could shift more hairs into a shedding phase.
—Tom Gavin, EverydayHealth.com, 17 Feb. 2026
In many places where cool-season grasses are planted, this means April.
—Peg Aloi, The Spruce, 17 Feb. 2026
Make your vehicle visible to others both ahead of you and behind you by using your low-beam headlights since this means your taillights will also be on.
—Nc Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 17 Feb. 2026
That additional charge, coupled with other local taxes, means women in Pakistan face a 40% surcharge on period products, according to UNICEF, pricing out the most vulnerable.
—Sana Noor Haq, CNN Money, 11 Feb. 2026
Noun
The resort is not screen-free by any means, but given the abundance of activities, the natural beauty of the landscape, and the coziness of the space, very few people seemed to feel the need to be on their phones or tablets—and instead spent time connecting.
—Katie Mathews, Condé Nast Traveler, 17 Feb. 2026
Torres has a controversial legacy in Colombia, where conservatives have long derided his decision to seek political change through violent means.
—Manuel Rueda, Los Angeles Times, 16 Feb. 2026
Vapes, for example, are small, portable and have a less distinctive odor than a lot of other means of consuming THC, the active ingredient in marijuana.
—Rebecca Noel, Charlotte Observer, 16 Feb. 2026
Rose throws herself into the labor and soon becomes a man of influence and means.
—Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 16 Feb. 2026
No one is quite sure what 6-7 means, and Skrilla kept it that way when asked for a definition.
—ABC News, 16 Feb. 2026
Vrabel and top front-office executives Eliot Wolf, Ryan Cowden and John Streicher have over $40 million in cap space (with other means to free up more) and 11 selections in the 2026 NFL Draft.
—Doug Kyed, Boston Herald, 16 Feb. 2026
Navalny died while held in prison, meaning Russia had the means, motive and opportunity to administer this poison to him.
—CBS News, 16 Feb. 2026
But because many people struggle to get enough vitamin D through natural means, a supplement may be appropriate for those concerned about bone health, Drake said.
—Jamie Ducharme, Health, 9 Feb. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for means
Verb
-
Ramadan signifies the month Muslims believe the Quran was revealed to Prophet Muhammad, according to Brandeis University.—
Melina Khan,
USA Today,
16 Feb. 2026
-
The application of the term arguably signifies less about a child than a system.—
Jessica Winter,
New Yorker,
13 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
What is directly affected is the city’s share — and in Cooper City, that matters more than many people realize.—
Lisa Mallozzi,
The Orlando Sentinel,
18 Feb. 2026
-
And ultimately, what matters more than one loud billionaire’s decision is the net migration of millionaires.—
Christopher Marquis,
Time,
18 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Strong, reliable products, a pledge to help the planet, and plenty of variety in color, style, and gear type, this is a brand for anyone who intends to go outside, no matter how intense (or relaxed) your adventures get.—
Jamie Spain,
Condé Nast Traveler,
17 Feb. 2026
-
Vast intends to launch a pathfinder station called Haven-1 to LEO in 2027, then use the experience gained to build and operate the multi-module Haven-2 over the next few years.—
Mike Wall,
Space.com,
16 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
After losing similar cases, the decision to tap Kelesis indicates the White House does not expect a ruling in Chattah's favor.—
JESSICA HILL THE ASSOCIATED PRESS,
Arkansas Online,
19 Feb. 2026
-
State law also indicates that a rider can operate a low-speed electric bicycle on any roadway a traditional bike can use, including in bike lanes.—
Molly Morrow,
Chicago Tribune,
19 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
That law allows the government to impose tariffs and other measures to correct unfair trade practices.—
Joe Walsh,
CBS News,
21 Feb. 2026
-
Just take our word for it that Barbarian will leave you disturbed and exhilarated in equal measure.—
Kevin Jacobsen,
Entertainment Weekly,
21 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
They are left wielding the tools of instrumentality: in-groups and cliques, buying effort through more money, coercive employment agreements and suits against whistleblowers.—
Dave Winsborough,
Forbes.com,
19 July 2025
-
Holding the weight of cotton’s influence on the world, and thus the instrumentality of Black labor, is painful, yet necessary work.—
Cierra Black,
Essence,
9 July 2025
Noun
-
After the Apollo samples were returned to Earth and analyzed, textbooks were updated with a wealth of new information about the moon.—
Ashley Strickland,
CNN Money,
21 Feb. 2026
-
What does this wealth tax in California do?—
Paris Barraza,
USA Today,
21 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Analyst Seth Seifman's $320 price target implies that shares of AeroVironment could rally 31% from here.—
Lisa Kailai Han,
CNBC,
17 Feb. 2026
-
The invitation implies a more low-key showcase than the typical launches held at the company’s campus in Cupertino, California.—
Bloomberg,
Mercury News,
16 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Means.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/means. Accessed 22 Feb. 2026.
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