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
In fact, many of the employees had received laudatory reviews with no hint of any concerns. Andy Kroll, ProPublica, 19 Mar. 2025 And once again, when combined with other datasets—from CMB, supernovae, and weak gravitational lensing studies—strong hints emerged that dark energy might be changing over time. Jennifer Ouellette, Ars Technica, 19 Mar. 2025
Verb
One text exchange hinted officials might also be using a second, untraceable messaging service. TIME, 20 Mar. 2025 Every Glimpse Meghan Markle and Prince Harry Have Shared Into Life with Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet The fruit-picking photo may hint that Meghan's children are helping her with her hobby of jam-making. Meredith Kile, People.com, 20 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for hint
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hint
Noun
  • Yet for all the drama in the newsroom, public grievances lodged by senior journalists, and relentless media coverage depicting the Post in crisis, there is little indication that Bezos is fazed.
    Ashley Belanger, Ars Technica, 20 Mar. 2025
  • Meta doesn’t deny that in its fact-check but merely cites a New York Times article that disclosed the existence of such an app but didn’t find an indication that it had been offered to the Chinese regime.
    Michael Hiltzik, Los Angeles Times, 20 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • There is one thing to note, however, that could be a glimmer of hope.
    Paul Tassi, Forbes, 25 Mar. 2025
  • Any hope of the U.S. team making the final in San Francisco after glimmers of a good performance — like being in third place during the final race — evaporated as the crew struggled to maintain stable flight on its frisky F50 boat.
    Andrew Rice, The Athletic, 22 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • Vogue Daily newsletter Get essential fashion, style, and tips, in your inbox.
    Margaux Anbouba, Vogue, 22 Mar. 2025
  • The president’s promise to eliminate taxes on tips, overtime, and Social Security will augment that number.
    Hersh Shefrin, Forbes, 22 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • The ten breweries that produced the highest number of brews at a state or national level include some legendary names plus a good sprinkling of newer craft brewers making some incredible beers.
    Hudson Lindenberger, Forbes, 17 Mar. 2025
  • Fey and Jost weren’t part of the McNally crowd, which included a sprinkling of SNL alumni among a more serious bunch probably best characterized by its collective mmm-ing at a Henry James reference.
    Paula Aceves, Vulture, 21 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • Currently, there is no data indicating the containment progress of the fire and its cause has not yet been determined.
    CA WILDFIRE BOT, Sacramento Bee, 19 Mar. 2025
  • Property records indicate that a Rosemary Casarotti lived in Shasta County, California as of 2023, The Circle K where Casarotti purchased the winning ticket received $1 million for selling the jackpot-winning ticket.
    Amaris Encinas, USA TODAY, 19 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • Looking for Sunday’s Wordle hints, clues and answer?
    Erik Kain, Forbes, 24 Mar. 2025
  • Another clue was the abundance of organic molecules in this region seen by ALMA.
    Robert Lea, Space.com, 21 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • Household Essentials Handwoven Tray $34 $24 at Amazon Coffee table must-haves like remotes or tissue boxes don’t always look the most aesthetically pleasing, but a tray can keep these items neat and in place with a stylish touch.
    Alicia Geigel, Southern Living, 28 Mar. 2025
  • With Fox sidelined - also for the year - Vassell is now getting touches and shots, and the Spurs will need to find a way to keep that going.
    Morten Stig Jensen, Forbes.com, 28 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • The advice helped Scheierman handle his early challenges.
    Jay King, New York Times, 27 Mar. 2025
  • Our talks extended well outside of the game: Eva gave me some great advice on a family matter of mine, while Joe and I engaged in a deep discussion about how to best navigate becoming a public figure after appearing on TV.
    Dalton Ross, EW.com, 27 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Hint.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hint. Accessed 2 Apr. 2025.

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