meaning 1 of 3

noun

ˈmē-niŋ How to pronounce meaning (audio)
Definition of meaningnext
1
as in sense
the idea that is conveyed or intended to be conveyed to the mind by language, symbol, or action the unmistakable meaning of the skier's upraised arms as he finished his spectacular run

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance
2
as in purpose
something that one hopes or intends to accomplish the people have a right to know what the president's meaning is in getting the nation involved in this war

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

meaning

2 of 3

adjective

as in suggestive
clearly conveying a special meaning (as one's mood) gave me a meaning look after I said that

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

meaning

3 of 3

verb

present participle of mean
1
as in denoting
to communicate or convey (as an idea) to the mind the national anthem means various things to various people

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2
as in weighing
to be of importance your presence at my graduation would mean a lot to me

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3
as in planning
to have in mind as a purpose or goal I mean to win this race

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4
as in indicating
to serve as a sign or symptom of these colder nights mean autumn has truly arrived

Synonyms & Similar Words

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 meaning
Noun
In the context of the shoot, however, Fielder’s pressure on the issue takes on an altogether different meaning. — Richard Brody, New Yorker, 9 Oct. 2026 An adult child can claim authority over the meaning of a life without proving that everything inherited is therefore illegitimate. — Literary Hub, 9 Oct. 2026
Adjective
To see you as a newborn child and then to look at you and to know that every step along the way, to witness that journey, is the most meaning aspect of my life. — Kimberlee Speakman, PEOPLE, 4 Feb. 2026 For Robell Awake, the chair is a meaning-laden object, symbolic of rest, a stand-in for the human body, a reflection of historical power dynamics. — Felicia Feaster, AJC.com, 30 Jan. 2026
Verb
The committee also amended the ordinance to require City Council approval for any future changes to the impact area’s boundaries, meaning whatever those changes are will need to be approved by the council members. — Dylan Lysen, Kansas City Star, 7 Oct. 2026 The Sun occupies only a small area of the sky, meaning incoming sunlight reaches a solar cell within a narrow angular cone. — Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 7 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for meaning
Recent Examples of Synonyms for meaning
  1. sense
  2. purpose
  3. suggestive
  4. denoting
  5. weighing
  6. planning
  7. indicating
  8. significance
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
  • On a blistering surprise EP, Deafheaven find the vicious attack and grandiose drama of symphonic black metal perfectly suited to their purposes.
    — Patrick Lyons, Pitchfork, 13 Oct. 2026
  • Aside from being part of the salon decor, the sculpture’s purpose, Ingram explained, is to introduce Vero’s service to his clientele.
    — Ari Stark, Footwear News, 13 Oct. 2026
Definition of purpose
Adjective
  • At the time, fans were quick to point out that the majority of the crew members seen in the clip were men, while Sweeney was sitting in a suggestive pose.
    — Carly Thomas, HollywoodReporter, 1 Sep. 2026
  • Messages in 2024 between Johnson and Duffey revealed the two men used suggestive language.
    — Hema Sivanandam, Mercury News, 12 Aug. 2026
Definition of suggestive
Verb
  • The cinematic film follows a number of wrestlers in different stages of their careers, including a yokozuna, a title denoting the highest rank in professional sumo, over the course of a year.
    — Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 12 Oct. 2026
  • The following table, like others below, shows their ages on June 1, 2030, with greens highlighting younger players and reds denoting those who’ll be over 30.
    — Henry Bushnell, New York Times, 15 Sep. 2026
Definition of denoting
Verb
  • Emergency physicians are constantly weighing probability, risk, and the consequences of waiting.
    — Dara Kass, Washington Post, 9 Oct. 2026
  • Gill was described as 5-foot-3, weighing 137 pounds with brown hair and brown eyes.
    — Rosalio Ahumada, Sacbee.com, 9 Oct. 2026
Definition of weighing
Verb
  • In another message, Urich shares a speech Netanyahu is planning to give.
    — Ben Smith, semafor.com, 12 Oct. 2026
  • That unique gallery purchased the building in 2018 for $3 million, but officials there didn’t begin planning its future in earnest until Cap City vacated its lease and closed in July 2025.
    — John Wenzel, Denver Post, 11 Oct. 2026
Definition of planning
Verb
  • Mice without flagellin receptors were less affected—indicating a direct link between flagellin and an immune system response.
    — Jackie Flynn Mogensen, Scientific American, 9 Oct. 2026
  • Green means the location is serving a full menu, indicating minimal damage in the surrounding area.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 8 Oct. 2026
Definition of indicating
Noun
  • The scene’s relatively minor significance reflects a fourth season that comes into its own in a similarly minor key.
    — Ben Travers, IndieWire, 7 Oct. 2026
  • China recognized the strategic significance of these resources early and has spent decades building a near monopoly over the critical mineral industry in many parts of Africa.
    — Jared Cohen, Foreign Affairs, 7 Oct. 2026
Definition of significance

Browse Nearby Words

meanies
meaning
meaningful
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Cite this Entry

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

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