Designation — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

noun /ˌde-zig-ˈnā-shən/ des·ig·na·tion

Meaning & Definition of Designation

Designation (noun)

  1. the act of indicating or identifying
  2. appointment to or selection for an office, post, or service
  3. a distinguishing name, sign, or title

Designation (noun) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. a word or combination of words by which a person or thing is regularly known

    "we've never given the homemade gadget a proper designation"

    similar: appellation, appellative, cognomen, compellation, denomination, denotation, handle, moniker, name, nomenclature, title
    related: baptismal name, Christian name, first name, forename, given name, family name, maiden name, middle name, surname, matronymic, patronymic, byname, diminutive, epithet, hypocorism, nickname, sobriquet, banner, rubric, tag, alias, cryptonym, nom de guerre, nom de plume, pen name, pseudonym, binomial, monomial, trivial name, vernacular, misnomer, brand name, label, trademark, trade name

  2. the state or fact of being chosen for a position or duty

    "the surprising designation of an unknown as the running mate raised a few eyebrows"

    similar: appointment, assignment, commission
    related: billet, gig, job, office, place, position, situation, spot, station, authorization, delegation, deputation, emplacement, placement, ranking, anointing, anointment, induction, installation, installment, instating, investiture, investment, ordination, choice, choosing, destination, election, nomination, picking, selection, singling (out)
    opposite: discharge, dismissal, dismission, expulsion, firing
    near: blackball, rejection, deposition, dethronement, ejection, eviction, ouster, overthrow, removal

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Designation

The most common words with a similar meaning to Designation:

appellation, appellative, cognomen, compellation, denomination, denotation, handle, moniker, name, nomenclature, title, appointment, assignment, commission

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Designation

Words with the opposite meaning of Designation:

discharge, dismissal, dismission, expulsion, firing

Related Words for Designation

baptismal name, Christian name, first name, forename, given name, family name, maiden name, middle name, surname, matronymic, patronymic, byname, diminutive, epithet, hypocorism, nickname, sobriquet, banner, rubric, tag, alias, cryptonym, nom de guerre, nom de plume, pen name, pseudonym, binomial, monomial, trivial name, vernacular

Near Antonyms of Designation

blackball, rejection, deposition, dethronement, ejection, eviction, ouster, overthrow, removal

Origin & Etymology of Designation

First known use: 14th century

Words & Phrases Containing Designation

self-designation

Frequently Asked Questions about Designation

What does "Designation" mean?

"Designation" means the act of indicating or identifying. As a noun, it is defined as: the act of indicating or identifying. It has 2 distinct senses.

What is another word for "Designation"?

Other words for "Designation" include appellation, appellative, cognomen, compellation, denomination, denotation, handle and moniker. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Designation" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Designation"?

There are 81 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Designation". Common alternatives include appellation, appellative, cognomen, compellation, denomination, denotation, handle, moniker, name and nomenclature.

What is the opposite of "Designation"?

Antonyms of "Designation" include discharge, dismissal, dismission, expulsion and firing. Near antonyms include blackball, rejection, deposition and dethronement.

How do you use "Designation" in a sentence?

Examples of "Designation" in a sentence: "we've never given the homemade gadget a proper designation"; "the surprising designation of an unknown as the running mate raised a few eyebrows".

Is "Designation" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Designation" is a noun.

How do you pronounce "Designation"?

"Designation" is pronounced /ˌde-zig-ˈnā-shən/ and divided into syllables as des·ig·na·tion.

What is the origin of the word "Designation"?

First known use: 14th century.