hint 1 of 2

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as in glimmer
an almost imperceptible sign of something there was the slightest hint of scorn in her voice

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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hint

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verb

as in to indicate
to convey an idea indirectly kept hinting that she wouldn't mind an invitation to spend the weekend at their beach house

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How is the word hint distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of hint are imply, insinuate, intimate, and suggest. While all these words mean "to convey an idea indirectly," hint implies the use of slight or remote suggestion with a minimum of overt statement.

hinted that she might get the job

How are the words imply and suggest related as synonyms of hint?

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

When is insinuate a more appropriate choice than hint?

The meanings of insinuate and hint largely overlap; however, insinuate applies to the conveying of a usually unpleasant idea in a sly underhanded manner.

insinuated that there were shady dealings

When might intimate be a better fit than hint?

The words intimate and hint can be used in similar contexts, but intimate stresses delicacy of suggestion without connoting any lack of candor.

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

In what contexts can suggest take the place of hint?

While in some cases nearly identical to hint, 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

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of hint
Noun
The vibe, never exactly cheerful, and never leavened by a hint of even the most sarcastic sense of humor, takes a turn for the horrific one evening in the wake of the bawdy revels celebrating Tomek’s wedding. Jessica Kiang, Variety, 30 May 2025 The vanilla funfetti cookie from Cookie Lab OC hit all the right notes: thick, soft, generously studded with rainbow sprinkles and finished with a hint of white chocolate. Carolyn Burt, Oc Register, 29 May 2025
Verb
The data hints that dark energy is not constant but evolves. Jamie Carter, Forbes.com, 16 May 2025 Additionally, Trump addressed the topic of sanctions, hinting that secondary sanctions on Iran could be implemented if necessary to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons. Amanda Castro, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for hint
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hint
Noun
  • Sky News reported that Doyle had given no indication of pleas when the charges were read to the court.
    Becca Longmire, People.com, 30 May 2025
  • McCarthy Vahey said, despite the lack of funding, the accounts serve as an indication of priorities.
    Katy Golvala, Hartford Courant, 30 May 2025
Noun
  • But planted within that picture was a glimmer of hope — or maybe delusion — for Sabres fans.
    Matthew Fairburn, New York Times, 22 May 2025
  • This link between exercise and the gut was barely a glimmer in scientists’ eyes some 15 years ago, when exercise immunologist Marc Cook was a graduate student at the Urbana-Champaign campus.
    Lydia Denworth, Scientific American, 20 May 2025
Noun
  • Illinois would be the first state to require a distinction on consumer retail transactions between goods, taxes and tips, creating the need for what opponents say would be a complicated and expensive software change.
    Olivia Olander, Chicago Tribune, 2 June 2025
  • Metro Crime Stoppers can accept anonymous tips online or by phone.
    Racquel Bazos, Baltimore Sun, 2 June 2025
Noun
  • Its members will include lobbyists, tech industry bigwigs and a sprinkling of White House officials, such as David Sacks, who is Trump’s crypto czar.
    Eric Lipton, New York Times, 14 May 2025
  • When the daily decided to take a walk back in time to celebrate 50 years of Women’s Fashion Industries on Aug. 15, 1950, a look at the Easter Parade and fashion trends of the day was included, noting that the parade had grown from a sprinkling of 400 people to over 4 million.
    Tonya Blazio-Licorish, Footwear News, 18 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Generally, during the summer months, dew points of 55 degrees or lower indicate a dry and comfortable feel.
    Robert A. Cronkleton, Kansas City Star, 30 May 2025
  • That study, which reviewed data from 2009 to 2014, indicated that 8.7 million U.S. children – or roughly 1 in 8 – lived with a parent, or parents, with substance use disorder.
    Ty Schepis, The Conversation, 30 May 2025
Noun
  • Attendees may be looking for clues as to whether the congressman, who turns 86 the next day, will decide to seek a 23rd full term in 2026.
    Josh Kurtz, Baltimore Sun, 22 May 2025
  • This database, however, didn’t include any clues about who owns the data or where it may have been gathered from.
    Matt Burgess, Wired News, 22 May 2025
Noun
  • But even adjusting for opportunity (per 1,000 touches), the former Aston Villa and Paris Saint-Germain midfielder is more than holding his own, as the below graphic shows.
    Patrick Boyland, New York Times, 28 May 2025
  • The rooms are minimalist—wooden floors, white walls, and simple design touches that reflect Japanese sensibilities.
    Yukari Sakamoto, AFAR Media, 27 May 2025
Noun
  • Here's why that's terrible advice: Strong disagreement with accepted wisdom creates controversy.
    Jodie Cook, Forbes.com, 26 May 2025
  • Against Reddit’s advice, Fielder solicits a formal diagnosis, including an fMRI, to ensure there’s nothing so off about him that he can’t be trusted with others’ lives.
    Alison Herman, Variety, 26 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Hint.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hint. Accessed 6 Jun. 2025.

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