indicate

verb

in·​di·​cate ˈin-də-ˌkāt 

indicated; indicating

transitive verb

1

a

: to point out or point to

b

: to be a sign, symptom, or index of

the high fever indicates a serious condition

c

: to demonstrate or suggest the necessity or advisability of

indicated the need for a new school

the indicated treatment

2

: to state or express briefly

indicated a desire to cooperate

Synonyms

• bespeak
• betoken
• denote
• mean
• point (to)
• signify
• tell (of)

Examples of indicate in a Sentence

Our records indicate a depth of 3,000 feet here.

The map indicates where the treasure is buried.

There is nothing to indicate that the two events are connected.

The size of his offer indicates that he is eager to buy the house.

The general used a long ruler to indicate on the map exactly where the troops would land.

We asked how to get to the rear entrance, and he indicated a path leading around the right side of the building.

Recent Examples on the Web

Social media reports indicate that Matveev confirmed his indictment and said that he has been released from law enforcement custody on bail. —Andy Greenberg, WIRED, 7 Dec. 2024

Fed fund futures trading as of mid-day Friday indicated a nearly 90% chance the central bank would cut by 25 basis points, according to CME FedWatch. —Lewis Krauskopf, USA TODAY, 7 Dec. 2024

There are reports coming from FanSided's Robert Murray indicating that the Red Sox made a strong push for Cleveland Guardians ace Shane Bieber before Bieber agreed to a two-year deal with Cleveland. —Daniel R. Depetris, Newsweek, 7 Dec. 2024

This timepiece indicates a second time zone with an additional skeletonized hand that can be hidden behind the hour hand when its owner is not traveling. —Sophie Furley, Robb Report, 7 Dec. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Latin indicatus, past participle of indicare, from in- + dicare to proclaim, dedicate — more at diction

First Known Use

1541, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Kids Definition

indicate

verb

in·​di·​cate ˈin-də-ˌkāt 

indicated; indicating

1

a

: to point out or point to

b

: to be a sign of

flowers indicating the arrival of spring

2

: to state or express briefly : suggest

Medical Definition

indicate

transitive verb

in·​di·​cate ˈin-də-ˌkāt 

indicated; indicating

1

: to be a fairly certain symptom of : show the presence or existence of

the high fever indicates a serious condition

2

: to call for especially as treatment for a particular condition

radical surgery is often indicated in advanced cancer