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 Once the sun had set over I-95, any inkling of tension had dissipated. — Maya Georgi, Rolling Stone, 20 Sep. 2026 As anyone with an inkling of pop culture may know, the fashionista shares Vivian, 13, and Benjamin, 16, with ex Tom Brady. — Madeleine Marr, Miami Herald, 11 Sep. 2026 When was the first inkling that you could get drafted and could compete in the NHL? — Nicole Fell, HollywoodReporter, 10 Sep. 2026 By the time Wade was making his decision, league sources said, there was an inkling that the Sixers’ pursuit of Brown had become serious enough that those involved believed there was a legitimate chance a deal could happen. — Tony Jones, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for inkling
Recent Examples of Synonyms for inkling
  1. indication
  2. clue
  3. hint
  4. cue
  5. suggestion
Noun
  • Frenzy 6’s upcoming integration work will provide the next indication of how quickly the design can move toward flight.
    — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 30 Oct. 2026
  • No escapee is known to have come from the OGD’s central ranks, an indication of the control imposed on the country’s most influential officials.
    — Jieun Baek, Foreign Affairs, 30 Oct. 2026
Definition of indication
Noun
  • That clue and the cross on the coffin led the researchers to reason that the skeleton probably belonged to an important man, most likely the abbot of Westminster.
    — Mindy Weisberger, CNN Money, 2 Nov. 2026
  • But experts say audio recorded from minutes before the crash may offer clues as to what happened.
    — Sofia Saric, Miami Herald, 2 Nov. 2026
Definition of clue
Noun
  • Kennedy, who had served six years in the House and eight in the Senate before entering the White House, explained, with more than a hint of frustration, that passing major legislation in Congress is extraordinarily difficult.
    — John T. Shaw, Chicago Tribune, 1 Nov. 2026
  • It's supposed to be nice on Tuesday, high of 64 and a hint of rain.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 31 Oct. 2026
Definition of hint
Noun
  • For another fun twist on ice-queen glam, take a cue from Zara Larsson and pile on the shimmery silver-white shadow accented with rhinestones in lieu of snowflakes, or perhaps a fresh platinum blonde hair color à la Serena Williams.
    — Kara Nesvig, Allure, 2 Nov. 2026
  • That preoccupation may mean the child has a more difficult time listening to their fullness cues when presented with those foods.
    — Bryn Beeder, The Conversation, 1 Nov. 2026
Definition of cue
Noun
  • This isn’t the place to try to engage staffers in meandering conversations, but all are friendly and quick to share menu suggestions for curious diners.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 3 Nov. 2026
  • To help keep you and your pets safe, DEEP officials offer the following suggestions.
    — Stephen Underwood, Hartford Courant, 2 Nov. 2026
Definition of suggestion

Browse Nearby Words

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 3 Nov. 2026.

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