signifying 1 of 2

adjective

Definition of signifyingnext
as in indicative
indicating something his tendency to use weasel words is seen as a signifying character trait

Synonyms & Similar Words

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signifying

2 of 2

verb

present participle of signify
1
as in meaning
to be of importance never mind, as the color of the room doesn't signify in the least

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2
as in denoting
to communicate or convey (as an idea) to the mind the symbol failed to signify anything to me—until I realized that it was upside down

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3
as in indicating
to serve as a sign or symptom of the opening of the new mall signifies the city's overdue emergence from economic depression

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 signifying
Verb
Modern interpreters have read his 10 heads as signifying his vast knowledge of 10 sacred texts, or alternately his 10 ethical failings, but the Ramayana account describes him as 10-headed from birth. — Charles Preston, Encyclopedia Britannica, 28 Aug. 2026 The signifying fruit was intended to get around the 1980 Israeli ban on political art featuring the grouping of the flag’s colors. — News Desk, Artforum, 28 Aug. 2026 The experience concludes with a performance from dancers in traditional garb and a candle lighting signifying the union between Panamanian and French cultures (Sofitel’s homeland). — Demarco Williams, Forbes.com, 21 Aug. 2026 Seven hashmarks line the top of the helmet, signifying the seven installations of The Blue over the past four decades. — Shaun Goodwin, Idaho Statesman, 20 Aug. 2026 The word repair originates from the Latin reparare, signifying restoration and return. — Literary Hub, 27 July 2026 Kate then watched as Lorente rang a bell, signifying the end of her cancer treatments. — Hannah Malach, InStyle, 21 July 2026 The agency issued an El Niño Advisory on Thursday morning, signifying that Earth has crossed a key threshold into El Niño territory. — Matthew Cappucci, Washington Post, 11 June 2026 Spielberg thinks that his robust history with alien characters should at least give him a glimpse of something signifying aliens' actual existence. — Wesley Stenzel, Entertainment Weekly, 10 June 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for signifying
  1. indicative
  2. meaning
  3. denoting
  4. indicating
  5. reflective
  6. weighing
  7. implying
  8. mattering
Adjective
  • Participating brands align around a common fiber specification and supply chain, then provide indicative volumes that can be combined to meet minimum order quantities at the fiber and yarn levels.
    — Alexandra Harrell, Footwear News, 28 Aug. 2026
  • There was no sign of the usual easy-going, affable nature that has been so indicative of Joe Root’s personality in his 14 years as an England cricketer.
    — Paul Newman, New York Times, 25 Aug. 2026
Definition of indicative
Verb
  • Dorsey uses solid gold (as well as sterling silver), meaning its pieces are not classified as demi-fine, but a Dorsey diamond tennis necklace will set you back up to $20,000, rather than upwards of $30,000 to $40,000 for a natural diamond version.
    — Madeleine Schulz, Vogue, 3 Sep. 2026
  • So the announcement arrives that Paul Baker lost the election, meaning nobody has to move out, and Anton and Paul Baker share their big kiss.
    — Ben Rosenstock, Vulture, 2 Sep. 2026
Definition of meaning
Verb
  • Eligible cars would receive special license plates denoting the car as a historic vehicle and be insured as collector motor vehicles.
    — Sofia Williams, Sacbee.com, 13 Aug. 2026
  • There’s one shaped like a hand grenade; another bears a white-sheet-ghost novelty trinket over the lid, denoting a ghost pepper sauce.
    — Adam Van Brimmer, AJC.com, 2 Aug. 2026
Definition of denoting
Verb
  • Additionally, the hoard contained both Arab and Anglo-Saxon coins, indicating the Vikings’ involvement in broader economic exchange between Europe and Southwest Asia during this period.
    — Francesca Aton, ARTnews.com, 3 Sep. 2026
  • Among adult pedestrians killed in nighttime crashes, about a third had blood alcohol levels indicating intoxication; so did about 20% of those killed during the day.
    — Paula Span, Miami Herald, 3 Sep. 2026
Definition of indicating
Adjective
  • Tycho Crater is visible in the lower region of the lunar disk close to the shadow, while bright ejecta rays of reflective material brighten the darker lunar seas, where lava solidified to form basaltic plains billions of years ago.
    — Anthony Wood, Space.com, 28 Aug. 2026
  • Exhilarating, sublime, and unsettling, these installations—which often incorporate polka-dot balloons, pumpkins, LED lights, and soundtracks—immerse the viewer in infinite reflective surfaces, exploding even small spaces into an endless expanse.
    — Livia Caligor, Architectural Digest, 27 Aug. 2026
Definition of reflective
Verb
  • The 10-photo carousel included the first photos of their baby boy, who entered the world weighing 8 lbs.
    — Kayla Grant, PEOPLE, 31 Aug. 2026
  • But Karen Guzzo, an expert on family development and demographic trends at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, said many American couples who are weighing parenthood need this kind of help.
    — Brian Mann, NPR, 31 Aug. 2026
Definition of weighing
Verb
  • The Honduran man, according to the criminal complaint filed in federal court, called the agent a slur describing a female dog and referenced the midterm elections, implying federal agents could be charged for crimes if Republicans lost power.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 3 Sep. 2026
  • Some investors, trying to read the tea leaves, interpreted that as a potential warning that more conservative guidance is on the horizon, implying that a turnaround will likely take more time.
    — Vicki M. Young, Footwear News, 2 Sep. 2026
Definition of implying
Verb
  • Until then, price will keep mattering more than where the panel was made.
    — Ken Silverstein, Forbes.com, 12 Aug. 2026
  • My dad never chased the kind of mattering that consumed me and so many of my peers.
    — Matthew Emerzian, PEOPLE, 21 June 2026
Definition of mattering

Browse Nearby Words

signify
signifying
signing
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Cite this Entry

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

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