inkling

noun

ˈiŋ-kliŋ How to pronounce inkling (audio)
Definition of inklingnext
as in indication
a slight or indirect pointing to something (as a solution or explanation) did not give the slightest inkling that he was planning to quit

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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 inkling Waterfowl biologists involved in the restoration efforts probably had little inkling of the adaptability of Canada geese to urban areas. — Mark Vrtiska, The Conversation, 30 July 2026 Cleveland star point guard James Harden was always expected to decline his player option, long before there was any public inkling that James would leave the Lakers in free agency. — Joe Vardon, New York Times, 23 July 2026 Realizing even an inkling of this Truth will lead to freer lives. — Suzanne Riedel, Christian Science Monitor, 22 July 2026 During his lifetime, Vincent van Gogh had no inkling that his work would become one of the world’s most famous paintings. — Nick Mafi, Architectural Digest, 17 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for inkling
Recent Examples of Synonyms for inkling
  1. indication
  2. clue
  3. hint
  4. cue
  5. suggestion
Noun
  • Although Ukraine first warned that North Korean troops were using attack drones on their territory last October, this is the first indication the new wave of troops will have this capability.
    — Nick Paton Walsh, CNN Money, 21 Aug. 2026
  • The Starship rocket’s Pez satellite dispenser, optimized for Starlink, is an indication of the company’s priorities.
    — Stephen Clark, ArsTechnica, 21 Aug. 2026
Definition of indication
Noun
  • But still, Hoffmann is one of the only figures in the Jewish Museum show to have stayed in Vienna through World War II and survived—which is always a clue for this cohort.
    — Emily Watlington, ARTnews.com, 24 Aug. 2026
  • Instead of using p-tau217 and amyloid blood tests for diagnosis, Isaacson runs them to look for clues on how people are responding to treatment and lifestyle changes.
    — Sandee LaMotte, CNN Money, 24 Aug. 2026
Definition of clue
Noun
  • And given the lunar ice’s likely extreme age, Dell’Agnello says, tracing its history would offer hints about the origins of Earth’s water as well.
    — Jonathan O'Callaghan, Scientific American, 20 Aug. 2026
  • In overtime versus Penn State, Moore had a wide-open touchdown to Kenyon Sadiq on the corner route but quickly found the checkdown at the first hint of pressure.
    — Dane Brugler, New York Times, 20 Aug. 2026
Definition of hint
Noun
  • The technology can transcribe and translate speech, identify objects and scene content, and infer location cues from video.
    — Maria Mocerino, Interesting Engineering, 23 Aug. 2026
  • Trump has a keen understanding of an entrance, a refrain, a music cue, and, perhaps above all, an audience.
    — Erik Forrest Jackson, The Atlantic, 22 Aug. 2026
Definition of cue
Noun
  • Sheinbaum rejected suggestions that the visa cancellation itself was evidence of criminal conduct.
    — Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 19 Aug. 2026
  • For example, there's Proactive Assistance, allowing Gemini to surface personalized suggestions in chats.
    — Kimberly Gedeon, PC Magazine, 19 Aug. 2026
Definition of suggestion

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inking
inkling
inklings
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Cite this Entry

“Inkling.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/inkling. Accessed 25 Aug. 2026.

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