as in designation
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1
as in calling
to give a name to
decided to name her new puppy "Bubbles"
Synonyms & Similar Words
2
as in specifying
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in nominating
to pick (someone) by one's authority for a specific position or duty
was named the provost of the university
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in selecting
to decide to accept (someone or something) from a group of possibilities
you don't like my offer? Just name your price
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
5
as in setting
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
6
as in choosing
to come to a judgment about after discussion or consideration
they finally named a date for the wedding
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of naming
Carley Lanich, IndyStar, 10 Feb. 2026
And then the naming of the team, just a lot of anticipation.
—Pierre Lebrun, New York Times, 9 Feb. 2026
Duke Energy still had six years left in its $12 million naming rights contract.
—Sydney Franklin, Cincinnati Enquirer, 6 Feb. 2026
Some signs of progress The return of the remains of the last hostage, the limited opening of the Rafah crossing, and the naming of a Palestinian committee to govern Gaza and oversee its reconstruction showed a willingness to advance the agreement despite the violence.
—Sam Metz, Chicago Tribune, 6 Feb. 2026
The Inter Miami star served as a special guest for the vessel’s official naming ceremony ahead of its maiden voyage out of PortMiami.
—Miami Herald, 4 Feb. 2026
The bill also preempts to the Legislature the naming of airports to Orlando International Airport, Miami International Airport, Fort Lauderdale/Hollywood International Airport, Tampa International Airport, Southwest Florida International Airport in Lee County and Jacksonville International Airport.
—Cbs Miami Team, CBS News, 4 Feb. 2026
The Smithsonian’s National Zoo has opened a public naming vote, with a $5 donation counting as a vote and proceeds supporting Asian elephant care and conservation efforts.
—Jasmine Baehr, FOXNews.com, 4 Feb. 2026
The monument inspired the naming of the diamond, which found its way to Elizabeth and Richard.
—Lauren Huff, Entertainment Weekly, 30 Jan. 2026
Quentin Corpuel, Kansas City Star, 11 Feb. 2026
Attempts to reach the boyfriend, who the Tribune is not naming because he has not been charged, were not successful.
—Madeline Buckley, Chicago Tribune, 10 Feb. 2026
Rather than naming and shaming, the report focuses on outlining concrete solutions.
—Mayu Saini, Sourcing Journal, 10 Feb. 2026
Alongside their personal struggles, people are naming Democratic leadership itself as a problem to be solved.
—State Rep. Jillian Gilchrest, Hartford Courant, 10 Feb. 2026
One of his first key decisions was naming Jeff Hostetler over Phil Simms as the starting quarterback during training camp in 1991.
—Chantz Martin, FOXNews.com, 10 Feb. 2026
That honor was granted by Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection, which recently put out its annual list naming the safest cities in the world.
—Taryn White, Travel + Leisure, 9 Feb. 2026
Build short feedback loops, make work visible, and remove penalties for naming what’s actually happening.
—Amy Eliza Wong, Fortune, 9 Feb. 2026
The company appointed its first non-Danish CEO as well as naming a former CEO, Lars Rebien Sørensen, as chair of the board in what has been described as an unprecedented power grab.
—Elsa Ohlen, CNBC, 4 Feb. 2026
Noun
While some Indiana communities have grown accustomed to the naming of a new leader every few years, Suggs will be just the sixth superintendent in the district’s 63-year history.
—Carley Lanich, IndyStar, 10 Feb. 2026
And then the naming of the team, just a lot of anticipation.
—Pierre Lebrun, New York Times, 9 Feb. 2026
Duke Energy still had six years left in its $12 million naming rights contract.
—Sydney Franklin, Cincinnati Enquirer, 6 Feb. 2026
Some signs of progress The return of the remains of the last hostage, the limited opening of the Rafah crossing, and the naming of a Palestinian committee to govern Gaza and oversee its reconstruction showed a willingness to advance the agreement despite the violence.
—Sam Metz, Chicago Tribune, 6 Feb. 2026
The Inter Miami star served as a special guest for the vessel’s official naming ceremony ahead of its maiden voyage out of PortMiami.
—Miami Herald, 4 Feb. 2026
The bill also preempts to the Legislature the naming of airports to Orlando International Airport, Miami International Airport, Fort Lauderdale/Hollywood International Airport, Tampa International Airport, Southwest Florida International Airport in Lee County and Jacksonville International Airport.
—Cbs Miami Team, CBS News, 4 Feb. 2026
The Smithsonian’s National Zoo has opened a public naming vote, with a $5 donation counting as a vote and proceeds supporting Asian elephant care and conservation efforts.
—Jasmine Baehr, FOXNews.com, 4 Feb. 2026
The monument inspired the naming of the diamond, which found its way to Elizabeth and Richard.
—Lauren Huff, Entertainment Weekly, 30 Jan. 2026
Verb
The approximate cost of the naming rights to Memorial Stadium is unknown, but a few recent deals can give folks a vague idea of what the cost could be.
—Quentin Corpuel, Kansas City Star, 11 Feb. 2026
Attempts to reach the boyfriend, who the Tribune is not naming because he has not been charged, were not successful.
—Madeline Buckley, Chicago Tribune, 10 Feb. 2026
Rather than naming and shaming, the report focuses on outlining concrete solutions.
—Mayu Saini, Sourcing Journal, 10 Feb. 2026
Alongside their personal struggles, people are naming Democratic leadership itself as a problem to be solved.
—State Rep. Jillian Gilchrest, Hartford Courant, 10 Feb. 2026
One of his first key decisions was naming Jeff Hostetler over Phil Simms as the starting quarterback during training camp in 1991.
—Chantz Martin, FOXNews.com, 10 Feb. 2026
That honor was granted by Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection, which recently put out its annual list naming the safest cities in the world.
—Taryn White, Travel + Leisure, 9 Feb. 2026
Build short feedback loops, make work visible, and remove penalties for naming what’s actually happening.
—Amy Eliza Wong, Fortune, 9 Feb. 2026
The company appointed its first non-Danish CEO as well as naming a former CEO, Lars Rebien Sørensen, as chair of the board in what has been described as an unprecedented power grab.
—Elsa Ohlen, CNBC, 4 Feb. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for naming
Noun
-
The Dem-Gaz did not make that designation for itself.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
11 Feb. 2026
-
At the same time, Bolsonaro and his supporters were also pursuing a foreign terrorist designation for two groups — Comando Vermelho and Primeiro Comando da Capital.—
Evandro Cruz Silva,
The Dial,
10 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
San Diego State knew other programs would come calling for its top players following a 9-4 season that represented one of the biggest turnarounds in college football.—
Kirk Kenney,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
7 Feb. 2026
-
The posts accused the teen and three of his football teammates of calling Smith’s son, who is Black, racial slurs, shooting him with BB guns and forcing him to drink their urine during a sleepover at Vann’s house.—
Jane Harper,
Dallas Morning News,
7 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Entire chapters specifying how nuclear material should be secured and what sorts of physical barriers should be built to protect it have been reduced to bullet points.—
Geoff Brumfiel,
NPR,
28 Jan. 2026
-
Include your name, phone number and email address specifying February Writing Workshop.—
News Release,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
16 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
This year, the party has another chance to try something other than nominating a conventional liberal who loses and then gets to run an NGO.—
Jonathan Chait,
The Atlantic,
5 Feb. 2026
-
Some people thought not nominating Gwyneth Paltrow as an aging actress was a snub; Odessa A'zion deserved a nomination, as well.—
Bill Goodykoontz,
AZCentral.com,
28 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
Meanwhile, despite Forrest Gump’s insight about the unknowns inside every box of chocolates, some 43% of Americans do consult the guide that comes with most boxes before selecting a treat.—
Andrea Riquier,
USA Today,
13 Feb. 2026
-
That pattern is associated with better satiety, energy stability, and muscle maintenance, as long as sodium is kept in check when selecting meals.—
Rita Templeton,
Flow Space,
13 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
The bank initiated coverage on the biopharmaceutical company at a buy rating, setting a 12-month price target of $23.—
Lisa Kailai Han,
CNBC,
8 Feb. 2026
-
Pickens fit right in with Dallas’ offense, setting career highs with 93 receptions for 1,429 yards and nine touchdowns en route to his first Pro Bowl appearance.—
Jon Machota,
New York Times,
8 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
However, choosing fewer priorities and building momentum through small, consistent actions that actually stick is likely to have a better outcome than getting spread too thin.—
Tarot.com,
Chicago Tribune,
13 Feb. 2026
-
Bélanger notes that most midlife women benefit from aiming for about 25 to 35 grams of protein per meal, and choosing meals in that range consistently helps support lean mass and metabolic health.—
Rita Templeton,
Flow Space,
13 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Advertisement Across the aisle, the prospect of Paxton winning the GOP nomination has galvanized Democrats—who face a head-vs-heart choice between two rising liberal stars.—
Philip Elliott,
Time,
10 Feb. 2026
-
Folks who drafted Andrivka were no doubt disappointed when the film failed to pick up an Oscar nomination, so these 30 points will be something of a balm.—
Joe Reid,
Vulture,
10 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Naming.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/naming. Accessed 15 Feb. 2026.
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