Synonyms of suggest

suggest

verb

səg-ˈjest 

1

as in to indicate

to convey an idea indirectly

this letter suggests that there's more going on than she's telling us

Synonyms & Similar Words

• indicate
• imply
• hint
• refer
• allude
• infer
• mention
• intimate
• signify
• insinuate
• point
• signal
• signalize
• smell (of)
• advert
• smack (of)

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• explain
• announce
• declare
• proclaim
• describe
• elucidate
• spell out
• delineate

2

as in to recommend

to put (something) forward as one's choice for a wise or proper course of action

I suggested that they talk to a therapist about their marital problems

Synonyms & Similar Words

• recommend
• advise
• urge
• propose
• advocate
• counsel
• offer
• favor
• support
• submit
• back
• exhort
• espouse
• champion
• advance

3

as in to propose

to set before the mind for consideration

might I suggest, for an appetizer, our jumbo shrimp cocktail?

Synonyms & Similar Words

• propose
• pose
• offer
• recommend
• present
• vote
• put forward
• submit
• nominate
• propound
• proffer
• put forth
• advance
• bounce
• file
• plan
• move
• arrange
• tender
• plot
• calculate
• chart
• lay
• map
• shape
• trot out
• contrive
• lodge
• cover
• frame

Synonym Chooser

How is the word suggest distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of suggest are hint, imply, insinuate, and intimate. While all these words mean "to convey an idea indirectly," suggest may stress putting into the mind by association of ideas, awakening of a desire, or initiating a train of thought.

a film title that suggests its subject matter

In what contexts can hint take the place of suggest?

The meanings of hint and suggest largely overlap; however, hint implies the use of slight or remote suggestion with a minimum of overt statement.

hinted that she might get the job

How do imply and suggest relate to one another?

Imply is close to suggest but may indicate a more definite or logical relation of the unexpressed idea to the expressed.

measures implying that bankruptcy was imminent

Where would insinuate be a reasonable alternative to suggest?

While in some cases nearly identical to suggest, insinuate applies to the conveying of a usually unpleasant idea in a sly underhanded manner.

insinuated that there were shady dealings

When might intimate be a better fit than suggest?

In some situations, the words intimate and suggest are roughly equivalent. However, intimate stresses delicacy of suggestion without connoting any lack of candor.

intimates that there is more to the situation than meets the eye

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of suggest

Hirsch suggests adding short movement breaks or light stretching to further boost circulation and mental clarity. —Ronnie Koenig, SELF, 25 Feb. 2026

An answer of sorts is suggested by Isabella Gardner, the house’s original inhabitant and writer of the seven poems that inspired Connell’s seven photographs. —Lori Waxman, Chicago Tribune, 25 Feb. 2026

Trump has suggested the FCC could revoke some television broadcast licenses. —J.d. Capelouto, semafor.com, 25 Feb. 2026

As a nutrient, copper is far more complex than the penny hack suggests. —Gemma Johnstone, The Spruce, 25 Feb. 2026