Name — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

noun verb adjective /ˈnām/

Meaning & Definition of Name

Name (noun)

  1. a word or phrase that constitutes the distinctive designation of a person or thing
  2. a word or symbol used in logic to designate an entity
  3. a descriptive often disparaging epithet

Name (verb)

  1. to give a name to, call
  2. to mention or identify by name
  3. to accuse by name

Name (adjective)

  1. of, relating to, or bearing a name
  2. appearing in the name of a literary or theatrical production
  3. having an established reputation

Name (noun) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

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

    "introduced himself and then asked what my name was"

  2. an act or expression showing scorn and usually intended to hurt another's feelings

    "quit calling her names"

  3. outward and often deceptive indication

    "a celebrity who is the head of the charitable organization in name only"

  4. overall quality as seen or judged by people in general

    "has a good name among fellow marine biologists"

  5. a person who is widely known and usually much talked about

    "managed to get several names to appear at the restaurant's opening"

    opposite: nobody, noncelebrity

Name (verb) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. to give a name to

    "decided to name her new puppy Bubbles"

  2. to make reference to or speak about briefly but specifically

    "I don't want to name anyone in particular, but someone in this room fiddled with my car's radio"

  3. to pick (someone) by one's authority for a specific position or duty

    "was named the provost of the university"

  4. to decide to accept (someone or something) from a group of possibilities

    "you don't like my offer? Just name your price"

  5. to decide upon (the time or date for an event) usually from a position of authority

    "you name the date and I'll make sure I'm there"

    similar: appoint, designate, fix, set
  6. to come to a judgment about after discussion or consideration

    "they finally named a date for the wedding"

Name (adjective) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. having a good reputation especially in a field of knowledge

    "the university's physics department boasts a number of name physicists"

    opposite: disreputable

Related Entry: Name-calling (noun)

Name-calling is a different word from Name. The synonyms below are for name-calling, not for name.

  1. the use of personal attacks or insults in order to undermine an opponent

    "the campaign quickly degenerated into name-calling rather than an intelligent discussion of the issues"

Related Entry: Name of the game (phrase)

Name of the game is a different word from Name. The synonyms below are for name of the game, not for name.

  1. the quality or qualities that make a thing what it is

    "The name of the game in learning to play an instrument is practice, practice, practice."

  2. something that one hopes or intends to accomplish

    "The manager said the name of the game this quarter is high profits across the board."

    near: means, method, way

Related Entry: Name-dropper (noun)

Name-dropper is a different word from Name. The synonyms below are for name-dropper, not for name.

  1. as in elitist, social climber

Related Entry: Name-droppers (noun)

Name-droppers is a different word from Name. The synonyms below are for name-droppers, not for name.

  1. as in elitists, social climbers

Related Entry: Big-name (adjective)

Big-name is a different word from Name. The synonyms below are for big-name, not for name.

  1. widely known

    "several big-name writers gave readings at the book festival"

Related Entry: Christian name (noun)

Christian name is a different word from Name. The synonyms below are for Christian name, not for name.

  1. a name that is placed before one's family name

    "although his Christian name is ordinary, his last name is quite distinctive"

Related Entry: Family name (noun)

Family name is a different word from Name. The synonyms below are for family name, not for name.

  1. a name shared by members of a family

    "searched for their family name on a popular genealogy website"

    similar: last name, surname

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Name

The most common words with a similar meaning to Name:

Slang: dis, rep
Archaic: clepe

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Name

Words with the opposite meaning of Name:

Near Antonyms of Name

Word Forms of Name

Inflections: named, naming

Derived words: namer (noun)

Origin & Etymology of Name

Middle English, from Old English nama; akin to Old High German namo name, Latin nomen, Greek onoma, onyma

First known use: before 12th century

Vocabulary Lists & Topics for Name

Words & Phrases Containing Name

Frequently Asked Questions about Name

What does "Name" mean?

"Name" means a word or phrase that constitutes the distinctive designation of a person or thing. As an a noun, a verb and an adjective, it is defined as: a word or phrase that constitutes the distinctive designation of a person or thing. It has 12 distinct senses.

What is another word for "Name"?

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

What are different ways to say "Name"?

There are 356 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Name". Common alternatives include appellation, appellative, cognomen, compellation, denomination, denotation, designation, handle, moniker and nomenclature.

What is the opposite of "Name"?

Antonyms of "Name" include nobody, noncelebrity, discharge, dismiss, expel, fire, decline and refuse. Near antonyms include accolade, commendation, compliment and acclaim.

How do you use "Name" in a sentence?

Examples of "Name" in a sentence: "introduced himself and then asked what my name was"; "quit calling her names"; "a celebrity who is the head of the charitable organization in name only".

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

"Name" can be used as a noun, a verb and an adjective, depending on the context.

Is "Name" useful for IELTS, TOEFL, and other English exams?

As an A1-level word, "Name" is typical of Cambridge A1 Movers (Young Learners), TOEIC Listening & Reading 120+.

How do you pronounce "Name"?

"Name" is pronounced /ˈnām/.