as in meaning
the idea that is conveyed or intended to be conveyed to the mind by language, symbol, or action
we should assume that the author is using the word in its ordinary signification
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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 signification
William is studying Henry Louis Gates, Jr., and writing a thesis on the theory of signification.
—
Cressida Leyshon, The New Yorker, 15 Jan. 2024
What once had been a multitude of beings with varying cultural and spiritual significations—not to mention consciousnesses of their own—became commodities that held value only when inserted into a by-now self-propelling and endlessly expanding market.
—Ben Ehrenreich, The New Republic, 10 May 2023
Location accuracy improved from there on out, with a signification portion of the data from the remainder of the experiment being within three miles of the craft’s true location.
—Amber Jorgenson, Discover Magazine, 16 Jan. 2018
The apartment signs of L.A. announce location through flair, decadence, strangeness, absurdity, signification.
—Los Angeles Times, 18 May 2022
But oranges, which were a delicacy that Leonardo may have seen firsthand at the table of the Duke of Milan, bore significance in the history of painting beyond their signification of luxury.
—Jonathon Keats, Forbes, 21 Apr. 2021
On March 25, the agency warned Pfizer (PFE) of signification violations at its Hospira facility in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, which makes sterile injectable medicines.
—Ed Silverman, STAT, 1 Apr. 2020
This self-signification is itself a paradox, insofar as Costa himself approaches the story of Vitalina with an utterly sealed-off, unbroken dramatic realism.
—Richard Brody, The New Yorker, 22 Feb. 2020
Cressida Leyshon, The New Yorker, 15 Jan. 2024
What once had been a multitude of beings with varying cultural and spiritual significations—not to mention consciousnesses of their own—became commodities that held value only when inserted into a by-now self-propelling and endlessly expanding market.
—Ben Ehrenreich, The New Republic, 10 May 2023
Location accuracy improved from there on out, with a signification portion of the data from the remainder of the experiment being within three miles of the craft’s true location.
—Amber Jorgenson, Discover Magazine, 16 Jan. 2018
The apartment signs of L.A. announce location through flair, decadence, strangeness, absurdity, signification.
—Los Angeles Times, 18 May 2022
But oranges, which were a delicacy that Leonardo may have seen firsthand at the table of the Duke of Milan, bore significance in the history of painting beyond their signification of luxury.
—Jonathon Keats, Forbes, 21 Apr. 2021
On March 25, the agency warned Pfizer (PFE) of signification violations at its Hospira facility in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, which makes sterile injectable medicines.
—Ed Silverman, STAT, 1 Apr. 2020
This self-signification is itself a paradox, insofar as Costa himself approaches the story of Vitalina with an utterly sealed-off, unbroken dramatic realism.
—Richard Brody, The New Yorker, 22 Feb. 2020
Recent Examples of Synonyms for signification
Noun
-
Employees—especially those in emotionally demanding or client-facing roles—need to see the meaning in their work.—
Pete First,
Forbes.com,
20 June 2025
-
Where Father Gregory Boyle created Homeboy Industries to bring dignity and meaning to the lives of former gang members.—
Gustavo Arellano,
Los Angeles Times,
19 June 2025
Noun
-
There is not an American President—Bill Clinton, George H. W. or George W. Bush, Barack Obama, Joe Biden, or Donald Trump—who has dealt with Netanyahu and not, sooner or later, come away with a lingering sense of resentment.—
David Remnick,
New Yorker,
21 June 2025
-
The leaders of the future are those who can navigate complexity with courage and a sense of connection.—
Patricia Arboleda,
Forbes.com,
20 June 2025
Noun
-
Jennings said the preservation and rehabilitation of the chapel is crucial due to its historical and architectural significance, and community value.—
Damenica Ellis,
Charlotte Observer,
24 June 2025
-
Several hundred locals gathered outside the property gates on Sunday to protest the detention center and call for the protection of the land, stressing its special significance to Native Americans as well as conservationists, according to member station WGCU.—
Rachel Treisman,
NPR,
24 June 2025
Noun
-
In addition to editing content, Alex also covers breaking news, writing about crime and severe weather as well as everything from multistate lottery jackpots to the July Fourth hot dog eating contest.—
Alex Sundby
June 17,
CBS News,
17 June 2025
-
Elise Devlin is a content producer for Peak, The Athletic's new vertical covering sports leadership, personal development and success.—
Elise Devlin,
New York Times,
17 June 2025
Noun
-
Hotchkiss School in Connecticut was born out of Maria Harrison Bissell Hotchkiss’ discussions with Yale President Timothy Dwight V with the explicit intention of preparing young men to attend Yale.—
Christopher Rim,
Forbes.com,
25 June 2025
-
Her intentions may have been good, but your mother’s edict was not helpful.—
R. Eric Thomas,
Chicago Tribune,
25 June 2025
Noun
-
Tailor content to match their stage, intent and platform behavior to actually drive results.—
Expert Panel®,
Forbes.com,
23 June 2025
-
This phrase has a clear intent and a violent legacy, and its impact is not theoretical.—
Lisa Katz,
New York Daily News,
22 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Signification.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/signification. Accessed 1 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share