connotative

adjective

con·​no·​ta·​tive ˈkä-nə-ˌtā-tiv How to pronounce connotative (audio) kə-ˈnō-tə-tiv How to pronounce connotative (audio)
1
: connoting or tending to connote
2
: relating to connotation
connotatively adverb

Examples of connotative in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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.
That may be because the connotative force of the word is outstripping the academic meaning of the word. — Kory Stamper, The Cut, 9 Mar. 2018 This is the first study to demonstrate empirically that the connotative attributes of background music accompanying shark footage affect viewers’ attitudes toward sharks. — Seriously Science, Discover Magazine, 8 Aug. 2016

Word History

First Known Use

1614, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of connotative was in 1614

Rhymes for connotative

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connotation
connotative
connotative definition
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Cite this Entry

“Connotative.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/connotative. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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