double negative
noun
: a now nonstandard syntactic construction containing two negatives and having a negative meaning
"I didn't hear nothing" is a double negative
Examples of double negative in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Spiritualists were also early adopters of novel technologies such as photography – still befuddling to their public – exploiting simple tricks such as double negatives to create phantom images.
—
Jonathon Keats, Forbes, 23 Sep. 2024
Red flags for shoppers include confusing language, such as double negatives.
—Jenn McMillen, Forbes, 27 Mar. 2024
His use of a double negative makes the remark even more confusing.
—Tori Otten, The New Republic, 1 Aug. 2023
It’s got an odd double negative, but weak syntax is no impediment here.
—Washington Post, 23 Sep. 2021
Warren, a former high school debate champion, responds this time with a double negative.
—Michael Scherer, The Denver Post, 16 Oct. 2019
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.
Jonathon Keats, Forbes, 23 Sep. 2024
Red flags for shoppers include confusing language, such as double negatives.
—Jenn McMillen, Forbes, 27 Mar. 2024
His use of a double negative makes the remark even more confusing.
—Tori Otten, The New Republic, 1 Aug. 2023
It’s got an odd double negative, but weak syntax is no impediment here.
—Washington Post, 23 Sep. 2021
Warren, a former high school debate champion, responds this time with a double negative.
—Michael Scherer, The Denver Post, 16 Oct. 2019
Dictionary Entries Near double negative
Cite this Entry
“Double negative.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/double%20negative. Accessed 26 Dec. 2024.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share