Dictionary.com
Thesaurus.com
Synonyms

means

British  
/ miːnz /

noun

  1. (functioning as singular or plural) the medium, method, or instrument used to obtain a result or achieve an end

    a means of communication

  2. (functioning as plural) resources or income

  3. (functioning as plural) considerable wealth or income

    a man of means

  4. without hesitation or doubt; certainly

    come with us by all means

  5. with the use or help of

  6. definitely not

    he was by no manner of means a cruel man

  7. on no account; in no way

    by no means come!
"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
means Idioms  

  1. see beyond one's means; by all means; by any means; by means of; by no means; end justifies the means.

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Successive administrations also went to great lengths to secure the release of detained Americans, at times through controversial means.

From BBC • Apr. 4, 2026

“I think most people don’t understand what it means to live under a dictatorship and such a government,” he said.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 4, 2026

“It means the ability to operate where and when you choose, in selective times and places without prohibitive interference.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 4, 2026

You might even call “Can’t Stop” innocuous — although if you do, that means you’re not listening closely to the lyrics.

From Salon • Apr. 4, 2026

“Trust me, I’m not happy about this situation either, but all of the staff here at the mountain have been deactivated, which means that you are the only option.”

From "Glitch" by Laura Martin

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.