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

Examples 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
But even if there are no upsets, the margins of the races will provide the first hints of voter attitudes as Mr. Trump prepares to take office for a second time. Reid J. Epstein, New York Times, 7 Jan. 2025 Related Articles The collection features textiles and embroideries with a hint of the exotic, plus a clashing color and print sense that has been known to inspire the world’s top interior designers. Miles Socha, WWD, 7 Jan. 2025
Verb
Trump's transition team has been working on a plan to broker talks between Kyiv and Moscow and the president-elect hinted that both sides will have to compromise. George Monastiriakos, Newsweek, 31 Dec. 2024 The company’s third-quarter results , reported in mid-November, hinted that its business is bottoming out and poised to inflect positively next year. Paulina Likos, CNBC, 31 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for hint 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hint
Noun
  • The Titans, who hold the top pick, aren’t going to build around Will Levis if this season was any indication.
    Jeff Howe, The Athletic, 7 Jan. 2025
  • New indications will continue to come out beyond weight loss.
    Emily Burns, WWD, 7 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • Art Graffiti, Through Grief and Discovery Clement Gelly There was the glimmer of possibility in stories of bolt cutters and train yards and spray cans—possibilities of disruption and liberation.
    Max Ufberg, hazlitt.net, 10 Jan. 2025
  • May these new releases bring a glimmer of light among the darkness.
    Mya Abraham, VIBE.com, 10 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • Bailey Berg Bailey Berg is a freelance travel writer and editor, who covers breaking news, trends, tips, transportation, sustainability, the outdoors, and more.
    Bailey Berg, AFAR Media, 9 Jan. 2025
  • For more of my tech tips and security alerts, subscribe to my free CyberGuy Report Newsletter by heading to Cyberguy.com/Newsletter.
    Kurt Knutsson, CyberGuy Report, Fox News, 9 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • For example, municipal and fire prevention agencies must give property owners advance — and continual — warnings to clear dead vegetation and to wet dry brush within 10 feet of the house with periodic, prolonged sprinklings.
    Andrew J. Campa, Los Angeles Times, 12 Jan. 2025
  • It's got a sprinkling of influence of-without sounding too grandiose-Wes Anderson.
    Lee Sharrock, Forbes, 16 Dec. 2024
Verb
  • Some studies indicate that smoke’s contaminants can effectively bypass the skin barrier altogether.
    Jessica Ourisman, Forbes, 18 Jan. 2025
  • In San Diego, a 2023 report indicated that the majority of people in county jails had previously experienced homelessness.
    Aaron Leibowitz, Miami Herald, 17 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • The detailed aerial map offers some tantalizing clues about the ancient culture whose people built hundreds of similar fortresses in a mountainous region that spans the modern countries of Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, and Turkey.
    Ars Technica, Ars Technica, 9 Jan. 2025
  • This clue prompted me to find YouTube videos of people doing the [1960s dance craze] WATUSI.
    Elie Levine, New York Times, 9 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • This allowed Haaland to play off multiple touches and gave De Bruyne and Foden time to make runs.
    Liam Tharme, The Athletic, 15 Jan. 2025
  • Here's how to blend AI insights with your human touch: • Intuition Integration: Use AI insights as a starting point, but always filter them through your intuition and experience.
    Aleesha Webb, Forbes, 15 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • Assess your risk The importance of all this advice depends on a person’s health and their exposure to poor quality air.
    Clara Harter, Los Angeles Times, 14 Jan. 2025
  • The information provided here is not investment, tax or financial advice.
    Ivan Lunegov, Forbes, 14 Jan. 2025

Thesaurus Entries Near hint

Cite this Entry

“Hint.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hint. Accessed 21 Jan. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on hint

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