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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
When asked whether Nurse had an inkling of the impending trade, his answer said it all.
—
Tony Jones, New York Times, 8 Jan. 2026
Our first inkling came over a year ago, when Balenciaga, Chloé, Valentino, and Schiaparelli all endorsed the vibrant shade on the spring 2025 runways.
—Hannah Jackson, Vogue, 2 Jan. 2026
My guess is that your best friend already has an inkling of how tight your budget is.
—Harriette Cole, Mercury News, 20 Dec. 2025
The track rounds off Love Is a Kingdom with an inkling of the promising direction Tems might be taking her sound next.
—Nelson C.j, Rolling Stone, 21 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for inkling
Tony Jones, New York Times, 8 Jan. 2026
Our first inkling came over a year ago, when Balenciaga, Chloé, Valentino, and Schiaparelli all endorsed the vibrant shade on the spring 2025 runways.
—Hannah Jackson, Vogue, 2 Jan. 2026
My guess is that your best friend already has an inkling of how tight your budget is.
—Harriette Cole, Mercury News, 20 Dec. 2025
The track rounds off Love Is a Kingdom with an inkling of the promising direction Tems might be taking her sound next.
—Nelson C.j, Rolling Stone, 21 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for inkling
Recent Examples of Synonyms for inkling
Noun
-
If Grammy nominations are any indication, Thomas’s decision to fully embrace his own artistry has paid off.—
Hershal Pandya,
Vulture,
31 Jan. 2026
-
Multiple videos from the scene immediately undercut those claims, and there has been no indication in the days since that Pretti threatened or planned to hurt law enforcement.—
James Queally,
Los Angeles Times,
31 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
These may include skipping meals, ignoring hunger clues, relying on rigid food rules and cutting out entire food groups, according to Garcia-Benson.—
Shiv Sudhakar,
FOXNews.com,
2 Feb. 2026
-
Tap a clue to see a headshot or get more details.—
Chris Feil,
Vulture,
2 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
For the Bridal Shower Your bridal shower is probably your debut as the bride-to-be, so seize the moment in a sweet white slip dress for a daytime fête (and hint of something blue as a nod to tradition).—
Rosie Jarman,
Vogue,
3 Feb. 2026
-
Or maybe there’s a hint of truth, and not all car salesmen are like that.—
Summer Ballentine,
Chicago Tribune,
3 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Harvard experts recommend eating more slowly and paying attention to each bite — without distractions like phones or TV — to better recognize fullness cues and avoid overeating.—
Shiv Sudhakar,
FOXNews.com,
2 Feb. 2026
-
Shifts in mood, sleep, behavior, or routines are your cue to check in with the pilot.—
Dorian Johnson,
Parents,
1 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
One student’s suggestion was to focus an equal amount of time on both history and current world events.—
Karen Billing,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
27 Jan. 2026
-
For now at least there’s no suggestion of more advanced features like live re-routing.—
Andrew Williams,
Forbes.com,
26 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Inkling.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/inkling. Accessed 7 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
