indicate

verb

in·​di·​cate ˈin-də-ˌkāt How to pronounce indicate (audio)
indicated; indicating

transitive verb

1
a
: to point out or point to
b
: to be a sign, symptom, or index of
the high fever indicates a serious condition
c
: to demonstrate or suggest the necessity or advisability of
indicated the need for a new school
the indicated treatment
2
: to state or express briefly
indicated a desire to cooperate

Examples of indicate in a Sentence

Our records indicate a depth of 3,000 feet here. The map indicates where the treasure is buried. There is nothing to indicate that the two events are connected. The size of his offer indicates that he is eager to buy the house. The general used a long ruler to indicate on the map exactly where the troops would land. We asked how to get to the rear entrance, and he indicated a path leading around the right side of the building.
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
So far, there's nothing to indicate any criminality Carl DeFazio, formerly of the NYPD, was brought on as the private investigator in the case. July 5, CBS News, 5 July 2025 While the door-kicking challenge has existed for years, multiple agencies have issued recent warnings, indicating a possible uptick in the trend this summer. Audrey Conklin, FOXNews.com, 5 July 2025 The outpacing of expectations indicates that Rebirth may end up nabbing a $145 million opening in the US. Paul Tassi, Forbes.com, 5 July 2025 The study concluded that dogs were able to find their owners in 82 percent of cases, indicating dogs are more than capable of identifying human companions by voice alone. Jack Beresford, MSNBC Newsweek, 5 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for indicate

Word History

Etymology

Latin indicatus, past participle of indicare, from in- + dicare to proclaim, dedicate — more at diction

First Known Use

1541, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of indicate was in 1541

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Indicate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/indicate. Accessed 9 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

indicate

verb
in·​di·​cate ˈin-də-ˌkāt How to pronounce indicate (audio)
indicated; indicating
1
a
: to point out or point to
b
: to be a sign of
flowers indicating the arrival of spring
2
: to state or express briefly : suggest

Medical Definition

indicate

transitive verb
in·​di·​cate ˈin-də-ˌkāt How to pronounce indicate (audio)
indicated; indicating
1
: to be a fairly certain symptom of : show the presence or existence of
the high fever indicates a serious condition
2
: to call for especially as treatment for a particular condition
radical surgery is often indicated in advanced cancer

More from Merriam-Webster on indicate

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!