indication

noun

in·​di·​ca·​tion ˌin-də-ˈkā-shən 

1

a

: something that serves to indicate

b

: something that is indicated as advisable or necessary

2

: the action of indicating

indicational

ˌin-də-ˈkā-sh(ə-)nəl 

adjective

Synonyms

• clue
• cue
• hint
• inkling
• intimation
• lead
• suggestion

Examples of indication in a Sentence

Her evaluation will give me a good indication of where I stand in the class.

There were indications that he was thinking of changing jobs.

Recent Examples on the Web

If the bipartisan vote for a similar tort reform package is any indication, however, tort reform stands a better chance of garnering broad, bipartisan support than the other top priorities for legislative leadership in the Lone Star State. —Patrick Gleason, Forbes.com, 1 Apr. 2025

Florida Democrats say Weil’s momentum is an indication of discontent with Trump in the district that is reflected across the country. —Julia Manchester, The Hill, 1 Apr. 2025

As of now, the proposal to ban the play, originally provided by the Green Bay Packers, has been tabled, with no clear indication of the final outcome. —Josh Hammer, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 Apr. 2025

There’s no indication of what the story might focus on, but the beauty of Zelda is that, for the most part, each game tells its own story separate from a hard continuity. —Christopher Cruz, Rolling Stone, 28 Mar. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing indication

• every indication

Rhymes for indication

• abdication
• aberration
• abjuration
• abnegation
• abrogation
• acceptation
• acclamation
• acclimation
• accusation
• activation
• actuation
• acylation

Kids Definition

indication

noun

in·​di·​ca·​tion ˌin-də-ˈkā-shən 

1

: the action of indicating

2

: something that indicates : sign, suggestion

Medical Definition

indication

noun

in·​di·​ca·​tion ˌin-də-ˈkā-shən 

1

a

: a symptom or particular circumstance that indicates the advisability or necessity of a specific medical treatment or procedure

postpartum hemorrhage is the chief indication for the use of ergot preparations and derivatives

—C. H. Thienes

b

: something that is indicated as advisable or necessary

in case of collapse the immediate indication is artificial respiration

—The Journal of the American Medical Association

2

: the degree indicated in a specific instance or at a specific time on a graduated physical instrument (as a thermometer)