as in designation
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1
as in calling
to give a name to
decided to name her new puppy "Bubbles"
Synonyms & Similar Words
2
as in specifying
to make reference to or speak about briefly but specifically
I don't want to name anyone in particular, but someone in this room fiddled with my car's radio
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in nominating
to pick (someone) by one's authority for a specific position or duty
was named the provost of the university
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in selecting
to decide to accept (someone or something) from a group of possibilities
you don't like my offer? Just name your price
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
5
as in setting
to decide upon (the time or date for an event) usually from a position of authority
you name the date and I'll make sure I'm there
Synonyms & Similar Words
6
as in choosing
to come to a judgment about after discussion or consideration
they finally named a date for the wedding
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of naming
Charlie De Mar, CBS News, 8 May 2026
Inter Miami also moved into a new 26,700-seat stadium in April, signing a naming rights deal with Brazilian digital financial services company Nu that Sportico previously reported is one of the largest naming rights deals for a soccer-specific stadium in MLS history.
—Justin Birnbaum, Sportico.com, 7 May 2026
After a lobbying effort by comics expert Roy Schwartz, the New York City Council in December 2025 approved the naming of a block of Essex Street between Delancey and Rivington streets in honor of Jack Kirby.
—Miriam Eve Mora, The Conversation, 7 May 2026
Bayern Munich’s partnership with Allianz also includes stadium naming rights, for instance.
—Laurie Whitwell, New York Times, 6 May 2026
The judges will not only be looking for talent, but diversity of ideas will play a huge role in the naming of the winners.
—Keith Sharon, USA Today, 4 May 2026
After an earlier nesting attempt was lost this season, the successful hatching and naming of the eaglets mark a meaningful and hopeful moment for Jackie and Shadow and the many viewers who have followed their journey.
—Cierra Morgan, Los Angeles Times, 1 May 2026
Stehney made a new sandwich and ran a naming contest among listeners.
—Taylor Haught, Kansas City Star, 1 May 2026
The trial is expected to last until May 15, with the state naming in court filings more than 50 potential witnesses that could call to the stand to testify.
—Nick Ferraro, Twin Cities, 29 Apr. 2026
Armando Salguero Outkick, FOXNews.com, 6 May 2026
Recent polling has also shown that voters are very concerned about energy affordability and rising utility costs, with 13% of Americans naming it as the most important financial problem facing their family — a 10-point increase from last year, according to an April Gallup poll.
—Los Angeles Times, 6 May 2026
The city of Aurora has launched a naming contest for four baby falcons who were hatched after their mother began nesting outside of city hall.
—Todd Feurer, CBS News, 5 May 2026
The property’s developer, Todd Michael Glaser, isn’t naming names but isn’t exactly shutting down the speculation either.
—Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 5 May 2026
The Pulitzer judges honored the coverage further by naming it a finalist for the public service medal.
—Robert Channick, Chicago Tribune, 4 May 2026
The judges also honored the Tribune’s coverage by naming it a finalist for the Public Service medal.
—Staff Report, Oc Register, 4 May 2026
Gaspar took the unusual step of naming the teachers publicly, a move that Sanchez’s supporters call alarmist.
—Don Stacom, Hartford Courant, 3 May 2026
In a speech to Congress, the monarch avoided naming the president but highlighted democratic norms, Ukraine and Western unity.
—Michael Birnbaum, Washington Post, 29 Apr. 2026
Noun
The Chicago Park District is holding an eaglet naming contest.
—Charlie De Mar, CBS News, 8 May 2026
Inter Miami also moved into a new 26,700-seat stadium in April, signing a naming rights deal with Brazilian digital financial services company Nu that Sportico previously reported is one of the largest naming rights deals for a soccer-specific stadium in MLS history.
—Justin Birnbaum, Sportico.com, 7 May 2026
After a lobbying effort by comics expert Roy Schwartz, the New York City Council in December 2025 approved the naming of a block of Essex Street between Delancey and Rivington streets in honor of Jack Kirby.
—Miriam Eve Mora, The Conversation, 7 May 2026
Bayern Munich’s partnership with Allianz also includes stadium naming rights, for instance.
—Laurie Whitwell, New York Times, 6 May 2026
The judges will not only be looking for talent, but diversity of ideas will play a huge role in the naming of the winners.
—Keith Sharon, USA Today, 4 May 2026
After an earlier nesting attempt was lost this season, the successful hatching and naming of the eaglets mark a meaningful and hopeful moment for Jackie and Shadow and the many viewers who have followed their journey.
—Cierra Morgan, Los Angeles Times, 1 May 2026
Stehney made a new sandwich and ran a naming contest among listeners.
—Taylor Haught, Kansas City Star, 1 May 2026
The trial is expected to last until May 15, with the state naming in court filings more than 50 potential witnesses that could call to the stand to testify.
—Nick Ferraro, Twin Cities, 29 Apr. 2026
Verb
He was never criminally charged, but a civil lawsuit naming him led to his immediate release from the Buffalo Bills in August 2022.
—Armando Salguero Outkick, FOXNews.com, 6 May 2026
Recent polling has also shown that voters are very concerned about energy affordability and rising utility costs, with 13% of Americans naming it as the most important financial problem facing their family — a 10-point increase from last year, according to an April Gallup poll.
—Los Angeles Times, 6 May 2026
The city of Aurora has launched a naming contest for four baby falcons who were hatched after their mother began nesting outside of city hall.
—Todd Feurer, CBS News, 5 May 2026
The property’s developer, Todd Michael Glaser, isn’t naming names but isn’t exactly shutting down the speculation either.
—Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 5 May 2026
The Pulitzer judges honored the coverage further by naming it a finalist for the public service medal.
—Robert Channick, Chicago Tribune, 4 May 2026
The judges also honored the Tribune’s coverage by naming it a finalist for the Public Service medal.
—Staff Report, Oc Register, 4 May 2026
Gaspar took the unusual step of naming the teachers publicly, a move that Sanchez’s supporters call alarmist.
—Don Stacom, Hartford Courant, 3 May 2026
In a speech to Congress, the monarch avoided naming the president but highlighted democratic norms, Ukraine and Western unity.
—Michael Birnbaum, Washington Post, 29 Apr. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for naming
Noun
-
County type designations are based on a New York Times analysis of data from the Census, the National Center for Health Statistics, and other research.—
New York Times,
New York Times,
12 May 2026
-
Pet protection laws in Baltimore County The law establishes a reckless animal owner designation, which, if used, would prohibit a person from owning an animal for four years.—
JT Moodee Lockman,
CBS News,
12 May 2026
Verb
-
That’s rich — like the pot calling the kettle black.—
Voice of the People,
New York Daily News,
10 May 2026
-
Porter focused on cutting bureaucracy, calling for a single statewide development permit to streamline approvals and reduce delays.—
Noe Padilla,
USA Today,
9 May 2026
Verb
-
In 2024, voters approved Proposition 130, requiring that the state direct $350 million to law enforcement, without specifying where the money should come from.—
Nick Coltrain,
Denver Post,
1 May 2026
-
The employees asked Döpfner to take a series of measures in response, including adding a disclaimer to all op-eds specifying that the author’s views do not represent those of Politico or staff.—
Max Tani,
semafor.com,
27 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
People are nominating not just themselves, but their moms.—
Meredith Wilshere,
PEOPLE,
10 May 2026
-
In 2024, the Old Hyde Park Neighborhood Association organized to stave off the potential demolition of the 1924 building by nominating it for local historic status.—
Taylor O'Connor,
Kansas City Star,
7 May 2026
Verb
-
In selecting Norwich, a city centrally located in the eastern part of the state, the team has found a home stadium that looks much different than the large-scale plans Swanston had for a $1 billion waterfront stadium and mixed-use development project in Bridgeport.—
P.R. Lockhart,
Hartford Courant,
9 May 2026
-
However, the Dolphins were convinced enough about Douglas’ blend of size, speed and athleticism to merit them passing on other receivers, selecting him 75th overall.—
Omar Kelly,
Miami Herald,
8 May 2026
Verb
-
However, anyone watching an eclipsed sun on the cusp of setting while on a beach in the Balearic Islands in 2026 will have just as much drama — if not more.—
Jamie Carter,
Space.com,
10 May 2026
-
Diggins provided the type of over-the-top service that Cardoso sought for most of her WNBA career, setting the young center up for 22 points on 15 shots.—
Julia Poe,
Chicago Tribune,
10 May 2026
Verb
-
Having Last Driver be such a vehicular-centric book led him to being open to changing up its reading style and choosing to put it out in a landscape format.—
Borys Kit,
HollywoodReporter,
8 May 2026
-
People are building scent wardrobes, not just choosing a single signature.—
Fairchild Studio,
Footwear News,
8 May 2026
Noun
-
The nomination signals Trump is backing away from promises to eliminate FEMA, as Hamilton joins a beleaguered agency depleted by staff departures and a 75-day DHS shutdown.—
Gabriela Aoun Angueira,
Los Angeles Times,
12 May 2026
-
Beaches, a nomination shut-out, was down $44,518 to $475,601, with attendance at the Majestic hovering around the 50% of capacity mark.—
Greg Evans,
Deadline,
12 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Naming.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/naming. Accessed 13 May. 2026.
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