designation
9 synonyms for designation, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — The act of officially naming or selecting something, or the name/title given.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use designation
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
official designation
receive a designation
Etymology
Came into English via Middle English designacioun, from Latin dēsignātiō, and partly (especially in sense 5) from design plus -ation. By surface analysis, it breaks down as designate plus -ion.
Full origin of designation →Frequently asked questions
What does “designation” mean?
The word “designation” means the act of officially naming or selecting something, or the name/title given. In plain terms, a formal title or the act of officially assigning one.
How do you pronounce “designation”?
“Designation” is pronounced deh-zihg-NAY-shuhn (/dɛzɪɡˈneɪʃən/ in IPA).
How do you use “designation” in a sentence?
Here is “designation” used in a sentence: “The park received the designation of a UNESCO World Heritage Site.”
What part of speech is “designation”?
“Designation” is a noun.
Is “designation” a common word?
“Designation” is a fairly common word in modern English.
What is the difference between designation and title?
Designation refers broadly to the act of officially naming or selecting something, or the name given as a result, while title more specifically refers to a formal name attached to a rank, role, or position. Designation is the more general and often more official-sounding term.
How is designation used in formal or official contexts?
Designation is commonly used in legal, government, and organizational contexts to describe an official name or classification, such as a 'protected area designation' or a 'job designation.'
Is designation the same as a nickname?
No, designation refers to an official name or title given through a formal process, while a nickname is an informal, often affectionate name used casually rather than officially assigned.
