denotation

noun

ˌdē-nō-ˈtā-shən How to pronounce denotation (audio)
Definition of denotationnext
1
as in moniker
a word or combination of words by which a person or thing is regularly known "soul" is the common denotation for that mysterious force within the human body that gives it life and yet is separate from it

Synonyms & Similar Words

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2
as in meaning
the idea that is conveyed or intended to be conveyed to the mind by language, symbol, or action although most people exercise for fitness, the denotation of the term "fitness" varies from exerciser to exerciser

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 denotation The 7x2 and 9x4 designations are a denotation of the rockets' engine configurations. — Josh Dinner, Space.com, 17 Aug. 2026 Michael Emmanuel Swinton, 30, of Fayetteville, North Carolina, was killed during the denotation on July 19 at Erbil Air Base. — Joey Garrison, USA Today, 21 July 2026 Controlled denotations were conducted Sunday at the site to dispose of hazardous materials, the agency said. — Minyvonne Burke, NBC news, 13 Oct. 2025 How much control, at this point, the subcommittee can exert over emoji denotation and connotation isn’t clear. — Megan Garber, The Atlantic, 29 June 2025 But the New Zealand Department of Conservation lists the reptiles as at risk — relict, a denotation reserved for species that declined to a small population but have since stabilized. — Joshua Rapp Learn, Discover Magazine, 22 July 2024 Cleverly staging appearance as disappearance, connotation serves as denotation. — Jerrine Tan, Wired, 4 Aug. 2022
Recent Examples of Synonyms for denotation
  1. moniker
  2. meaning
  3. nomenclature
  4. sense
  5. name
  6. significance
  7. title
  8. content
Noun
  • Bart Bart Starr led the Packers to victories in the first two Super Bowls ever played, making this moniker ideal for football history buffs.
    — Beth Ann Mayer, Parents, 1 Sep. 2026
  • Under Moreno, the team that had been the Anaheim Angels changed their moniker to the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim in 2005.
    — Cynthia Littleton, Variety, 1 Sep. 2026
Definition of moniker
Noun
  • When a human accepts, rejects or overrides the agent, the organization can reconstruct why—not from a comment field that made sense to the person who wrote it, but from a structured record that holds its meaning after they're gone.
    — Krupesh Bhat, Forbes.com, 1 Sep. 2026
  • Below, learn more about Princess Margaret’s unique engagement ring, her relationship with Antony, and the personal meaning behind her granddaughter’s choice to wear the heirloom.
    — Bailey Bujnosek, InStyle, 1 Sep. 2026
Definition of meaning
Noun
  • Many women-forward organizations are rightfully changing their nomenclature and their audience to be inclusive of non-binary and trans women, because that’s a whole other subsection that is often more ignored.
    — Selena Fragassi, SPIN, 10 Aug. 2026
  • Public-health officials coined a nonjudgmental nomenclature that persists to this day.
    — Michael Powell, The Atlantic, 30 July 2026
Definition of nomenclature
Noun
  • In that sense, hitting one in his second career at-bat, which was sandwiched by two strikeouts, was fitting.
    — Spencer Nusbaum, New York Times, 2 Sep. 2026
  • Combining unexpected items can make a lot of sense and save precious space in your backpack.
    — Maryna Holovnova, New Atlas, 1 Sep. 2026
Definition of sense
Noun
  • For these brands, lab-grown is in the name, and their styles are more akin to traditional natural diamond brands.
    — Madeleine Schulz, Vogue, 3 Sep. 2026
  • That’s an appealing quality for Hegseth, who wants Parnell for the job, a second administration official said — and his name has been mentioned for a while now, given that Driscoll’s departure by the end of the year was expected.
    — Shelby Talcott, semafor.com, 2 Sep. 2026
Definition of name
Noun
  • The first prince of Norwegian descent born in 567 years, his birth held special significance for the young Norwegian monarchy.
    — Stefania Conrieri, Vanity Fair, 28 Aug. 2026
  • Two days later, then-Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin canceled them, saying a decision of such significance should rest with him.
    — Kaelan Deese, The Washington Examiner, 27 Aug. 2026
Definition of significance
Noun
  • The title received Ontario Creates Development Funding and in June 2026 was awarded production funding from Telefilm Canada.
    — Jennie Punter, Variety, 3 Sep. 2026
  • The platform launched with 10 original series, including titles from The Bold and the Beautiful executive producer and head writer Bradley Bell and Abominable Pictures founder and Childrens Hospital executive producer Jonathan Stern.
    — Katie Kilkenny, HollywoodReporter, 3 Sep. 2026
Definition of title
Noun
  • Meet the Cast The PEOPLE staffers competing in People’s Next Red Carpet Reporter come from across all of our content buckets.
    — Lindsay Kimble, PEOPLE, 2 Sep. 2026
  • In real estate, Simplicity aids agents in the automation of property research, comparative market analysis, marketing, content generation, client communications, listing preparation and transaction support all within a single AI experience.
    — Matthew Kayser, Miami Herald, 2 Sep. 2026
Definition of content

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Cite this Entry

“Denotation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/denotation. Accessed 4 Sep. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on denotation

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about denotation

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