denotations

noun

plural of denotation
1
as in monikers
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

Relevance
2
as in meanings
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 denotations Controlled denotations were conducted Sunday at the site to dispose of hazardous materials, the agency said. — Minyvonne Burke, NBC news, 13 Oct. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for denotations
  1. monikers
  2. meanings
  3. names
  4. senses
  5. titles
  6. contents
  7. epithets
  8. connotations
Noun
  • Unlike Pluto's naming, when the public suggested monikers for the new planet, the public didn't participate in the scientific process of its recategorization.
    — Stefanie Waldek, Space.com, 24 Aug. 2026
  • The monikers Bella and Luna have consistently vied for the top spot, with Max topping the charts in 2022, before being unseated by Milo.
    — Clare Fisher, PEOPLE, 12 Aug. 2026
Definition of monikers
Noun
  • With his final book, however, Morris refuses to draw conclusions, letting the ambiguity of Surrealists’ meanings stand.
    — Kelly Presutti, ARTnews.com, 28 Aug. 2026
  • Barón hopes the physical language of the work leaves space for audiences to find meanings of their own.
    — Miguel Sirgado, Miami Herald, 24 Aug. 2026
Definition of meanings
Noun
  • In practice, there were a range of depictions of these goddesses in ancient Greece—their number, their names, and their traits differ across sources.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 2 Sep. 2026
  • The names usually reference the location of the tree, and maybe a flavor note.
    — Sean Timberlake, Sacbee.com, 2 Sep. 2026
Definition of names
Noun
  • The reign of Republicans during the Civil War and Reconstruction was a democratic breakthrough in two senses.
    — Daniel Immerwahr, New Yorker, 31 Aug. 2026
  • However, human problems appear real according to the information gathered from the five corporeal senses.
    — The Christian Science Monitor, Christian Science Monitor, 31 Aug. 2026
Definition of senses
Noun
  • Putellas’ new team-mate Nikita Parris, who has won two top-tier titles and a Champions League in her career, suggests an athlete’s mental steel endures regardless of the context.
    — Katie Whyatt, New York Times, 1 Sep. 2026
  • Tom Brady’s 23-season NFL career includes seven Super Bowl titles, three MVP awards, numerous endorsements with lifestyle brands like Ugg, and the distinction as the greatest player ever.
    — Beth Ann Mayer, Parents, 1 Sep. 2026
Definition of titles
Noun
  • Scientists use this technique, called candling — which historically entailed holding up a burning candle — to assess the contents of shark eggs for health, viability and genetic diversity.
    — Adriana Pérez, Chicago Tribune, 31 Aug. 2026
  • This way auditors, regulators, and even customers can confirm a record is genuine without seeing its contents.
    — Roy Stephen Canivel, Footwear News, 31 Aug. 2026
Definition of contents
Noun
  • The raid drew criticism over separating families, and a group of Idahoans sued, saying officers hurled racial epithets and largely withheld water, food, bathrooms and medical care.
    — Idaho Statesman, Idaho Statesman, 15 Aug. 2026
  • Hochman detailed a number of prosecutions, including the sentence of one man to a life sentence plus seven years with the possibility of parole for a March 23 attack, during which racial epithets were uttered.
    — City News Service, Daily News, 6 Aug. 2026
Definition of epithets
Noun
  • 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
  • By this time, regular yogurt had no connotations of foreignness.
    — Livia Gershon, JSTOR Daily, 11 Aug. 2026
Definition of connotations

Browse Nearby Words

denotation
denotations
denotative
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Denotations.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/denotations. Accessed 5 Sep. 2026.

Copy Citation
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

A List of Most Commonly Confused Words

Why do we use apostrophes to show possession?

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

What's the difference between 'fascism' and 'socialism'?
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

The Longest Long Words List

Stay Woke

Ye Olde Nincompoop: Old-Fashioned Words for 'Stupid'

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

The Words of the Week - Sept. 4
See More

Popular

See More

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

The Longest Long Words List

Stay Woke
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
The Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
anagrams on a chalk board
Word Builder Quiz Vol. 2 Pick the letter that when added to a word will ma...
See All