reputation

noun

rep·​u·​ta·​tion ˌre-pyə-ˈtā-shən How to pronounce reputation (audio)
Synonyms of reputation
1
a
: overall quality or character as seen or judged by people in general
b
: recognition by other people of some characteristic or ability
has the reputation of being clever
2
: a place in public esteem or regard : good name
trying to protect his reputation
reputational
ˌre-pyə-ˈtā-sh(ə-)nəl How to pronounce reputation (audio)
adjective

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An esteemed word in English, reputation rose to fame during the 14th century and ultimately traces back to the Latin verb reputare, meaning "to take into consideration" or "to think over." Reputare is itself a coupling of the well-known "again" prefix re- and the verb putare, "to reckon." Renowned celebrities of the putare family are the verb repute ("to believe or consider"), the identical noun (synonymous with reputation), the adjectives reputable and reputed, and the adverb reputedly. Other putare cousins of notoriety include dispute, disreputable, imputation, and putative, along with their kin.

Synonyms of reputation

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Examples of reputation in a Sentence

He has earned a reputation as a first-class playwright. a teacher with a reputation for patience Poor customer service has ruined the company's reputation.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
History shows that presidents who intensify wars in pursuit of a way out, or to protect their own prestige or America’s reputation, descend a slippery slope. — Hanna Ziady, CNN Money, 4 Aug. 2026 Thiel, who built a reputation as one of Silicon Valley’s most successful contrarian investors, has long argued that the goal isn’t to reflexively disagree with conventional wisdom but to think independently. — Preston Fore, Fortune, 3 Aug. 2026 Chiron turns retrograde in your 10th House of Career, stirring old sensitivity around criticism, authority, reputation, or whether your work is being seen clearly. — Tarot.com, The Orlando Sentinel, 3 Aug. 2026 Dickies has earned its reputation for more than a century by making dependable products for hardworking people. — Fairchild Studio, Footwear News, 3 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for reputation

Word History

Etymology

Middle English reputacion, from Anglo-French, from Latin reputation-, reputatio consideration, from reputare

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of reputation was in the 14th century

Phrases Containing reputation

Rhymes for reputation

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Browse Nearby Words

reputably
reputation
reputative
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Cite this Entry

“Reputation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/reputation. Accessed 7 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

reputation

noun
rep·​u·​ta·​tion ˌrep-yə-ˈtā-shən How to pronounce reputation (audio)
1
: overall quality or character as seen or judged by people in general
a car with a good reputation
2
: notice by other people of some quality or ability
has the reputation of being a good tennis player
3
: a place in public regard : good name
trying to protect his reputation

Legal Definition

reputation

noun
rep·​u·​ta·​tion
: overall quality or character as seen or judged by people in general within a community see also character evidence at evidence, reputation testimony at testimony

More from Merriam-Webster on reputation

Nglish: Translation of reputation for Spanish Speakers

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