HINT Synonyms: 239 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

hint 1 of 2

noun

ˈhint

Definition of hint next

as in indication

a slight or indirect pointing to something (as a solution or explanation) can't you give me some hint as to where you're taking me?

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Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in glimmer

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

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as in tip

a piece of advice or useful information especially from an expert some helpful hints for cleaning carpet stains

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as in sprinkling

a very small amount I detect just a hint of mint in the sauce

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hint

2 of 2

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

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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

Taylor Swift gave her fans some big hints regarding the flowering and floundering of her brief relationship with singer Matt Healy on her 2024 album The Tortured Poets Department. —

Caroline Frost, Deadline, 19 Jan. 2025 At a Sunday afternoon town hall, Cal Fire Operations Section Chief Jed Gaines echoed that sentiment — but with a hint of concern in light of the forecast for the days ahead. —

Rong-Gong Lin Ii, Los Angeles Times, 19 Jan. 2025

Verb

In a video earlier this week, Cabello said that González’s arrival would be treated as a foreign invasion and hinted that Venezuelan air defenses might shoot down the plane carrying him as if were being used to traffic drugs. —

Antonio Maria Delgado, Miami Herald, 11 Jan. 2025 Tesla has previously hinted that that a new affordable model could be launched in the first half of 2025. —

Arjun Kharpal, CNBC, 10 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for hint

Recent Examples of Synonyms for hint

Noun

The Obamas have always been refreshingly open about both the joys and challenges of their relationship, but if this latest post is any indication, their partnership remains as strong as ever.

— Jenzia Burgos, StyleCaster, 18 Jan. 2025
Past performance gives no indication of future results.

— Chris Gallagher, USA TODAY, 18 Jan. 2025