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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in suggestive
clearly conveying a special meaning (as one's mood)
gave me a meaning look after I said that
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in denoting
to communicate or convey (as an idea) to the mind
the national anthem means various things to various people
Synonyms & Similar Words
2
as in weighing
to be of importance
your presence at my graduation would mean a lot to me
Synonyms & Similar Words
3
as in planning
to have in mind as a purpose or goal
I mean to win this race
Synonyms & Similar Words
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
Jimmy Golen, Chicago Tribune, 17 Feb. 2025
The match will take on even more meaning as former United manager David Moyes has now taken the reins with the Toffees.
—Ben Church, CNN, 17 Feb. 2025
Tom Sanderson, Forbes, 26 Dec. 2024
There isn’t a bigger social media platform that has this feature, meaning if TikTok goes away, so does these posters’ cash.
—Ct Jones, Rolling Stone, 26 Dec. 2024
See All Example Sentences for meaning
Noun
The Americans were set to play Sweden on Monday night in a game that lost any meaning once Canada clinched the second spot in the final.
—Jimmy Golen, Chicago Tribune, 17 Feb. 2025
The match will take on even more meaning as former United manager David Moyes has now taken the reins with the Toffees.
—Ben Church, CNN, 17 Feb. 2025
Verb
Though Ronald Araujo is facing pressure to renew his terms past 2026, or be placed on the market, he is also wanted by the club meaning that the first team could boast at least four quality central defenders.
—Tom Sanderson, Forbes, 26 Dec. 2024
There isn’t a bigger social media platform that has this feature, meaning if TikTok goes away, so does these posters’ cash.
—Ct Jones, Rolling Stone, 26 Dec. 2024
See All Example Sentences for meaning
Recent Examples of Synonyms for meaning
Noun
-
Bill’s obsession compels Hal to return home, hoping to talk some sense into his brother.—
David Sims,
The Atlantic,
21 Feb. 2025
-
Located in Donelson, TN, just outside Nashville, it’s designed to help people reconnect with joy, curiosity, and a sense of possibility.—
Amanda Miller Littlejohn,
Forbes,
21 Feb. 2025
Noun
-
The crucial difference from last season is his belief in his own abilities to alter events to his own purposes.—
Patrick Z. McGavin,
Chicago Tribune,
26 Feb. 2025
-
Kennedy also claimed the reason the children were hospitalized was for quarantine purposes.—
Mary Kekatos,
ABC News,
26 Feb. 2025
Adjective
-
The latest: Photos and videos posted to Facebook, Reddit and other sites showed the Patriots Place sign displaying non-explicit cartoon images of anthropomorphic dogs, a cat and one very suggestive purple wolf on a rainbow background.—
Mike Deehan,
Axios,
25 Feb. 2025
-
However, both workers had shown symptoms suggestive of infection, the study said.—
Susanne Rust,
Los Angeles Times,
21 Feb. 2025
Verb
-
Truly pocket sized and weighing just 165g, FiiO says this is the ideal travel companion thanks to 12 hours of battery life and a two-hour fast-charge mode.—
Mark Sparrow,
Forbes,
5 Jan. 2025
-
This 2,000-tonne contraption would be lowered on a string of pipe weighing 2,000 tonnes, and grapple the wreck weighing 4,000 tonnes.—
David Szondy,
New Atlas,
4 Jan. 2025
Verb
-
According to an Ohio Department of Transportation press release issued Monday, all through-traffic motorists who are not planning stops within the I-275 outer belt are encouraged to use I-275 eastbound and drive around the loop.—
Erin Couch,
The Enquirer,
24 Dec. 2024
-
Beyoncé is set to perform at halftime of the Ravens-Texans game and NFL MVP contender Lamar Jackson is already planning on being on the field for that.—
Ryan Gaydos,
Fox News,
24 Dec. 2024
Verb
-
The 10-year yield jumped 13 basis points last week after the Federal Reserve pared down rate-cut projections, indicating only two more interest rate cuts lie ahead in 2025, down from four potential cuts that had been signaled in September.—
Jenni Reid,
CNBC,
23 Dec. 2024
-
The final composite score for each state was calculated and the states were ranked with higher scores indicating the worse working conditions.—
Bryan Robinson,
Forbes,
22 Dec. 2024
Noun
-
In the book’s strongest moments, Eden gestures toward the political significance of her culinary escapades abroad.—
The New Yorker,
The New Yorker,
24 Feb. 2025
-
The lack of upper-level depth in the Padres’ farm system should place additional significance on their various position battles.—
Dennis Lin,
The Athletic,
24 Feb. 2025
Noun
-
Since then, Dubb Value has been known for helping companies execute acquisitions that meet their financial goals and protect their core values, leadership vision, and efficiency in operations.—
Jason Phillips,
USA TODAY,
19 Feb. 2025
-
These are solid players who help the team progress toward its goals.—
Chad Graff,
The Athletic,
18 Feb. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Meaning.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/meaning. Accessed 1 Mar. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share