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 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 Advertisement The first inkling of recalibration came when tech bros suddenly started emphasizing the importance of taste. — Miranda Shanahan, Time, 10 July 2026 An innocent yet incarcerated Boston man (Sam Worthington) gets an inkling that the son he’s been convicted of killing might well be alive. — Randy Myers, Mercury News, 24 June 2026 Some viewers already had an inkling about Corbin’s ethnicity, thanks to eagle-eyed fans who spotted a major clue on social media. — Allison Degrushe, StyleCaster, 16 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for inkling
Recent Examples of Synonyms for inkling
  1. indication
  2. clue
  3. hint
  4. cue
  5. suggestion
Noun
  • Initially, authorities said there were no apparent indications of foul play and that Wells could have drowned, noting the area is known for its dangerous rip currents.
    — Adam England, PEOPLE, 31 July 2026
  • The clearest indication of Chelsea’s direction is the signing of Morgan Rogers.
    — Graham Ruthven, New York Times, 31 July 2026
Definition of indication
Noun
  • And those tiny beings offer clues as to how the mysterious formation came to be.
    — Adam Kovac, Scientific American, 3 Aug. 2026
  • Alright, read on for some hints and clues for today’s Wordle, plus today’s Bonus Wordle.
    — Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 2 Aug. 2026
Definition of clue
Noun
  • January 20 – February 18 A money conversation may need fewer hints and more numbers.
    — Tarot.com, Chicago Tribune, 2 Aug. 2026
  • Alright, read on for some hints and clues for today’s Wordle, plus today’s Bonus Wordle.
    — Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 2 Aug. 2026
Definition of hint
Noun
  • Political scientists say such voters don’t always act as rational strategists, often skipping the race or relying on simple cues like gender, incumbency or local ties rather than ideological moderation.
    — Kevin Rector, Los Angeles Times, 3 Aug. 2026
  • Our work shows that expressive cues appear to shift how people perceive a mistake out of the category of technical malfunction and into the category of social violation, like those that happen between people.
    — Yigit Topoglu, The Conversation, 3 Aug. 2026
Definition of cue
Noun
  • State officials would still make decisions about technology, according to the PERB filing, as the union only asked to provide suggestions.
    — Corey Schmidt, Sacbee.com, 30 July 2026
  • If the former occurs, X doesn’t really offer solutions, only suggestions that users try basic fixes, like restarting or updating, switching to another device, or toggling between Wi-Fi or cellular data.
    — Ashley Belanger, ArsTechnica, 29 July 2026
Definition of suggestion

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inkling
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Cite this Entry

“Inkling.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/inkling. Accessed 4 Aug. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of inkling for Spanish Speakers

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