hint

1 of 2

noun

ˈhint 

1

a

: a statement that expresses indirectly what one prefers not to say explicitly

had been dropping hints that he would like to be invited

b

: an indirect or general suggestion for how to do or solve something

helpful hints for inexperienced cooks

can't tell you the answer but can give you a hint

2

: a slight indication of the existence, approach, or nature of something : clue

gave only a hint of what was to come

3

: a very small amount : suggestion

with just a hint of spice

4

archaic : opportunity, turn

hint

2 of 2

verb

hinted; hinting; hints

transitive verb

: to convey indirectly and by allusion rather than explicitly

a suspicion that she scarcely dared to hint

intransitive verb

: to give an indirect suggestion or piece of evidence that leads one toward the solution of a problem : to give a hint

—usually used with at

hint at the answer

hinter noun

Synonyms

Noun

• clue
• cue
• indication
• inkling
• intimation
• lead
• suggestion

Verb

• allude
• imply
• indicate
• infer
• insinuate
• intimate
• suggest

Choose the Right Synonym for hint

suggest, imply, hint, intimate, insinuate mean to convey an idea indirectly.

suggest may stress putting into the mind by association of ideas, awakening of a desire, or initiating a train of thought.

a film title that suggests its subject matter

imply is close to suggest but may indicate a more definite or logical relation of the unexpressed idea to the expressed.

measures implying that bankruptcy was imminent

hint implies the use of slight or remote suggestion with a minimum of overt statement.

hinted that she might get the job

intimate stresses delicacy of suggestion without connoting any lack of candor.

intimates that there is more to the situation than meets the eye

insinuate applies to the conveying of a usually unpleasant idea in a sly underhanded manner.

insinuated that there were shady dealings

Examples of hint in a Sentence

Noun

Her face gave me a hint of what she was thinking.

“I have a lot of work to do.” “OK, I'll leave. I can take a hint.”

The sauce has a subtle hint of garlic.

He had a hint of a German accent.

They'll betray you at the first hint of trouble.

Verb

I keep hinting, but she's not catching on. I think I need to be more direct.

The boss hinted about possible layoffs.

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Some saw that as a hint to his future involvement and a firm commitment to the youngster, but Fortea has not returned to Ancelotti’s training sessions since playing in two Under-19 European Championship qualifiers with Spain in November. —Mario Cortegana, The Athletic, 26 Feb. 2025

We had been warmed up to this by recent hints of several more One UI 7 betas to come before the stable release was GA. —Zak Doffman, Forbes, 26 Feb. 2025

Verb

Kennedy’s response to the measles outbreak, like those of others in his movement, hints that this unusual degree of apathy is likely to continue. —Benjamin Mazer, The Atlantic, 27 Feb. 2025

Despite the canine appearing to be asleep, her owner hinted that this peaceful nap was nothing but an act. —Ross Rosenfeld, Newsweek, 26 Feb. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Noun and Verb

probably alteration of obsolete hent act of seizing, from hent, verb

First Known Use

Noun

1604, in the meaning defined at sense 4

Verb

1648, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Phrases Containing hint

• drop a hint
• get/take the hint
• hint at
• take a hint

Rhymes for hint

• clint
• dint
• glint
• lint
• mint
• print
• quint
• quinte
• splint
• sprint
• squint
• stint

Kids Definition

hint

1 of 2 noun

ˈhint 

1

: a slight mention : a suggestion or reminder

a hint of winter in the air

2

: a slight indication of the existence or nature of something : clue

3

: a very small amount : trace

a hint of garlic

hint

2 of 2 verb

: to bring to mind by or give a hint

hinter noun