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intimate

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noun

intimate

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verb

Synonym Chooser

How is the word intimate distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of intimate are hint, imply, insinuate, and suggest. While all these words mean "to convey an idea indirectly," 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 hint take the place of intimate?

The meanings of hint and intimate largely overlap; however, 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 intimate?

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 would insinuate be a good substitute for intimate?

The words insinuate and intimate can be used in similar contexts, but insinuate applies to the conveying of a usually unpleasant idea in a sly underhanded manner.

insinuated that there were shady dealings

When could suggest be used to replace intimate?

The synonyms suggest and intimate are sometimes interchangeable, but 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 intimate
Adjective
Finding and embracing the traces of making—on both intimate and environmental scales—has become her guiding creative principle. Sheldon Pearce, The New Yorker, 21 Mar. 2025 Weiss, 42, was charged with 14 counts of unauthorized computer access and 10 counts of identity theft after purportedly hacking thousands of accounts to download intimate photos and videos, according to an indictment filed in federal court Thursday. David Matthews, New York Daily News, 21 Mar. 2025
Noun
Other intimates brands, such as Victoria’s Secret, have tried and largely failed to branch into activewear, so Skims might be able to prove itself a winner in the space with Nike by its side. Gabrielle Fonrouge, CNBC, 18 Feb. 2025 Reviews mention a variety of creative uses, too: organizing belts, scarves, jewelry, purses, shopping bags—even air drying swimwear, intimates, and damp gym clothes. Miles Walls, Better Homes & Gardens, 23 Feb. 2025
Verb
In the episode, life will intimate art as Culpo tries to capture content after a literal minefield is discovered on the ocean floor. Lynette Rice, Deadline, 3 Feb. 2025 At a Politico event on Tuesday, Trump trade adviser Peter Navarro intimated that Xi and Trump had plans to hash out the actions by phone. Kate Nishimura, Sourcing Journal, 4 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for intimate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for intimate
Adjective
  • Coleman remains one of his closest friends in football and is able to provide insight into the formative parts of his playing and coaching careers.
    Simon Hughes, The Athletic, 23 Mar. 2025
  • Archway provides a no-obligation offer within 24 hours, can pay cash and close within three days or on a future date of the seller’s choice, and there are no fees or commissions to pay.
    Archway Homes, Kansas City Star, 23 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Federal prosecutors in California charged Buma Tuesday with one count of disclosure of confidential information.
    Compiled by Democrat-Gazette Staff From Wire Reports, arkansasonline.com, 21 Mar. 2025
  • Jones then shared confidential information relating to Wayfarer and Baldoni with Leslie Sloane, Lively’s publicist, the lawsuit says.
    Winston Cho, The Hollywood Reporter, 21 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • When stuck in a disagreement, step outside your own emotions and discuss the issue as if advising a close friend in the same situation.
    Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 30 Mar. 2025
  • The actor died on Saturday, March 29, at 11:15 p.m. local time in Waimanalo, Hawaii, of complications following a stroke, a friend of Chamberlain's working on behalf of his retired publicist tells PEOPLE.
    Victoria Edel, People.com, 30 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • For example, the report cited that collision data collected in the Czech Republic indicated that the police database contained only 43% of the injuries recorded by the public health insurance system.
    Tanya Mohn, Forbes.com, 1 Apr. 2025
  • The person displays insignia, logos, notations, drawings, or dress known to indicate allegiance to TDA, as observed by law enforcement in person or through virtual means (4 points).
    Verónica Egui Brito, Miami Herald, 31 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • And then, aren’t cats emblematic of whatever is familiar but ultimately unknowable?
    Barry Schwabsky, Artforum, 1 Apr. 2025
  • Customers at Clark’s can expect a menu that looks familiar to those who enjoyed The Good Wurst.
    Heidi Finley, Charlotte Observer, 31 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • With respect to a private creditor pursuing relief in state court, the answer is yes.
    Paul Du Quenoy, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 Mar. 2025
  • With structured real estate investment strategies—whether through direct ownership, joint ventures or private equity real estate funds—SFOs can better ensure that their legacy endures, their wealth compounds and their future generations continue to thrive.
    DJ Van Keuren, Forbes.com, 26 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • The driver passed Morgan’s music onto his buddies, who happened to be longtime Jason Aldean collaborators/bandmates Tully Kennedy and Kurt Allison.
    Jessica Nicholson, Billboard, 21 Mar. 2025
  • Back then, Dyer was 20 years old, a former high school football star and a buddy of Steven Schwartz.
    Peter Van Sant, CBS News, 21 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • This implies a very strong Debt-to-Equity Ratio of 0.3% (vs. 19.0% for S&P 500).
    Trefis Team, Forbes, 23 Mar. 2025
  • The administration decision implies that any steps paroled migrants take to adjust their immigration status after publication of the notice on Tuesday would not be deemed as protection against deportation.
    Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 22 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Intimate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/intimate. Accessed 5 Apr. 2025.

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