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
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Recent Examples of inkling
Even before the photo, members had inklings their search histories were being monitored by the DOJ, which on Monday began allowing lawmakers to review unredacted versions of the files.
—
Rebecca Beitsch, The Hill, 12 Feb. 2026
This inkling emerged when Vickers was a PhD student learning from some of the greatest cognitive scientists of all time, including Anne Treisman and Daniel Kahneman.
—Big Think, 29 Jan. 2026
Almost 25 years ago, when the Department of Homeland Security was first proposed, there were inklings, even among supporters, that things might someday come to this.
—Ta-Nehisi Coates, Vanity Fair, 26 Jan. 2026
Bacha remembers getting her first inkling that victory might be possible during a canvassing event, at Grand Army Plaza, in January, 2025.
—Molly Fischer, New Yorker, 21 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for inkling
Rebecca Beitsch, The Hill, 12 Feb. 2026
This inkling emerged when Vickers was a PhD student learning from some of the greatest cognitive scientists of all time, including Anne Treisman and Daniel Kahneman.
—Big Think, 29 Jan. 2026
Almost 25 years ago, when the Department of Homeland Security was first proposed, there were inklings, even among supporters, that things might someday come to this.
—Ta-Nehisi Coates, Vanity Fair, 26 Jan. 2026
Bacha remembers getting her first inkling that victory might be possible during a canvassing event, at Grand Army Plaza, in January, 2025.
—Molly Fischer, New Yorker, 21 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for inkling
Recent Examples of Synonyms for inkling
Noun
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If practice is any indication, the Snowballs are naturals.—
Tess Kenny,
Chicago Tribune,
28 Feb. 2026
-
So far there is no indication that oil production or shipping infrastructure were targeted in Saturday’s attacks, either by the US and Israel against Iran, or as a result of Iran’s retaliatory strikes.—
Tim McDonnell,
semafor.com,
28 Feb. 2026
Noun
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Sports Edition Coach — a spot to gather clues and discuss (and share) scores.—
Mark Cooper,
New York Times,
24 Feb. 2026
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Arizona investigators continue to look for leads into the Nancy Guthrie abduction case, as the search for clues enters its fourth week and appears to be a statistical outlier, according to FBI data and an expert.—
Louis Casiano,
FOXNews.com,
24 Feb. 2026
Noun
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Between feminine floral notes, subtle citrus hints, warm earthy touches, and robust musky undertones, there are so many fragrance types to explore, and why settle on just one?—
Kaitlyn Yarborough,
Southern Living,
24 Feb. 2026
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Expect some hints dropped this week.—
Chris Branch,
New York Times,
24 Feb. 2026
Noun
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Take a cue from Selena Gomez and opt for a sugar-pink jelly mani of your own.—
Grace McCarty,
Glamour,
23 Feb. 2026
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Taking cues from kids as to their interests and passions is a great way to spark a love of learning.—
Elisabeth Sherman,
Parents,
23 Feb. 2026
Noun
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Now in its 31st year, Crisis Group has developed a sterling reputation for early warning, insightful analysis, practical suggestions and discreet diplomacy.—
John T. Shaw,
Chicago Tribune,
23 Feb. 2026
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Have a suggestion for a future story?—
Matthew Kelly,
Kansas City Star,
23 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Inkling.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/inkling. Accessed 1 Mar. 2026.
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