names

/neɪmz/

NOUN

1. Words or expressions used to identify people, places, or things

Words, titles, or designations used to identify or distinguish particular people, places, classes, or things.

1.1. Personal names and designations

Words or expressions assigned to people, places, or things to identify them.

Synonyms

Examples

  • The teacher called out the names of the students for attendance.
  • They engraved their names on the lock they attached to the bridge.
  • The company considered several possible names for its new product.

Related Words

1.2. Names of famous or prominent people

Well-known or influential individuals, especially when their names are recognized or carry prestige.

Synonyms

  • celebrities
  • VIPs
  • bigwigs
  • notables
  • luminaries
  • personalities

Examples

  • Names of famous artists adorned the walls of the art gallery.
  • The event attracted several big names from the entertainment industry.
  • The magazine featured names from the worlds of business and politics.

Related Words

  • dignitaries
  • public figures
  • prominent people
  • celebrities

1.3. Reputation or public standing

The reputation, status, or general opinion associated with a person or organization.

Synonyms

Antonyms

  • disrepute
  • infamy
  • notoriety

Examples

  • The two companies have established respected names in the industry.
  • The scandal damaged the names of several prominent officials.
  • Both institutions have built strong names through years of reliable service.

Related Words

VERB

2. Words used to identify or refer to someone or something

The third-person singular form of the verb name, meaning to give someone or something a name, mention something specifically, or identify someone or something.

2.1. Giving or assigning names

Assigns a name, title, or designation to a person, place, object, or organization.

Synonyms

Examples

  • The committee names the new building after a former president.
  • She names each of her paintings after a place she has visited.
  • The parents names their newborn daughter after her grandmother.

Related Words

2.2. Mentioning or specifying people or things

Mentions, lists, or identifies particular people or things explicitly.

Synonyms

  • mentions
  • cites
  • specifies
  • lists
  • identifies
  • indicates
  • enumerates

Examples

  • The report names several factors contributing to the decline.
  • She names three people who could help with the project.
  • The article names the organizations involved in the investigation.

Related Words

  • refers to
  • points out
  • brings up
  • designates

2.3. Selecting or designating someone for a position

Officially appoints, nominates, or selects someone for a particular role, position, or responsibility.

Synonyms

  • appoints
  • nominates
  • designates
  • selects
  • chooses
  • assigns

Examples

  • The board names a new director to lead the organization.
  • The committee names its preferred candidate for the position.
  • The president names several advisers to the new council.

Related Words

  • elects
  • instates
  • authorizes
  • commissions

2.4. Publicly identifying or accusing someone

Publicly identifies a person as being involved in an activity, wrongdoing, or a particular situation.

Synonyms

Examples

  • The investigation names several officials in the corruption case.
  • The report names the individuals responsible for the security breach.
  • The witness names the suspect during the hearing.

Related Words

  • exposes
  • reports
  • points to
  • indicts