connotation

noun

Definition of connotationnext
as in implication
an idea or quality that is suggested by a word or thing a word with positive connotations The word "childlike" has connotations of innocence.

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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 connotation Growing up, the American dream always took on a financial connotation for Utrera. — Carlos De Loera, Los Angeles Times, 4 Sep. 2026 These positive connotations associated with scientific research help the AI industry signal altruism while downplaying their profit-making ambitions. — Matthew Sun, The Atlantic, 4 Sep. 2026 But Canada is just far enough away to be a legitimate escape, while also carrying a host of related connotations. — Kathryn Vanarendonk, Vulture, 19 Aug. 2026 Gurel writes that the associations with hippies, dieting, and dessert-like snacks all gave yogurt a feminine connotation. — Livia Gershon, JSTOR Daily, 11 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for connotation
Recent Examples of Synonyms for connotation
  1. implication
  2. sense
  3. meaning
  4. hint
  5. indication
  6. definition
  7. suggestion
  8. message
Noun
  • The Senate race has attracted national attention because of its implications for control of the chamber, where Democrats need to flip four seats to regain the majority.
    — Barnini Chakraborty, The Washington Examiner, 9 Oct. 2026
  • Regardless of whether the document comes to light, Rodríguez argued that Floridians should closely watch the utility merger because of its other implications for Florida voters and electricity customers.
    — Claire Heddles, Miami Herald, 9 Oct. 2026
Definition of implication
Noun
  • There’s a kind of sense with them of, This whole beach thing is really our vibe and the rest of you are just spectators.
    — Cressida Leyshon, New Yorker, 11 Oct. 2026
  • That’s reflected in the clips shown to the audience, which, unlike the previous films, really gives the sense that this place smells.
    — Joshua Rivera, Vulture, 11 Oct. 2026
Definition of sense
Noun
  • The expression has different meanings across cultures, rarely referring to its literal translation.
    — Annika Pham, Variety, 12 Oct. 2026
  • What begins as an extreme pursuit becomes an intimate journey into obsession, mortality and the search for meaning.
    — Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 12 Oct. 2026
Definition of meaning
Noun
  • Gone are the beer bashes, the thrill of invention and any hint that Zuckerberg lusted for something — women, attention, clout — other than a quarterly earnings report.
    — Amy Nicholson, Los Angeles Times, 9 Oct. 2026
  • However, the document didn't give any clear hints as to when exactly policymakers thought that hike could come.
    — Alex Harring, CNBC, 8 Oct. 2026
Definition of hint
Noun
  • Neither candidate can escape political baggage The debate also offered little indication that either candidate had found a way to overcome the concerns that could limit his appeal.
    — Barnini Chakraborty, The Washington Examiner, 9 Oct. 2026
  • There is no indication the charity intends to share its classrooms’ recordings with anybody else, but fears about the potential misuse of surveillance technology are heightened in Gaza after three years of war.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 9 Oct. 2026
Definition of indication
Noun
  • The answer is that making good policy is challenging, and the definition of good policy itself is not clear cut.
    — Scott Warren, Washington Post, 9 Oct. 2026
  • Today, there isn’t one rigid definition of a Ukrainian manicure.
    — Lucy Abbersteen, Allure, 9 Oct. 2026
Definition of definition
Noun
  • Not all of Wright’s suggestions for painting the museum were so subtle.
    — Wendy S. Walters, Architectural Digest, 12 Oct. 2026
  • What readers are saying The comments on the article express a mix of opinions and suggestions regarding scenic train trips for viewing fall foliage.
    — Hannah Sampson, Washington Post, 11 Oct. 2026
Definition of suggestion
Noun
  • Expect Raman, whom City Hall opponents have long trashed as conflict-averse, to focus on a message of possibility and positivity while holding her ground and striking back — and hard — when necessary.
    — Lorraine Ali, Los Angeles Times, 14 Oct. 2026
  • Adam Rubin, one of the co-owners, told USA Today that the store’s phone and emails have been flooded with threatening messages.
    — Emily Zemler, Rolling Stone, 14 Oct. 2026
Definition of message

Browse Nearby Words

connoisseurs
connotation
connotations
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Cite this Entry

“Connotation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/connotation. Accessed 14 Oct. 2026.

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