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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

3

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

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 suggest Data suggests that drone incursions into restricted airspace are occurring more frequently. Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 22 June 2025 Erdoğan called Trump on Monday during the G7 Summit and suggested a meeting in Istanbul for the next day, those officials said. Rachel Scott, ABC News, 22 June 2025 Less is more if it’s made in the United States, he’s implied, suggesting that people affected by higher prices caused by protectionism could adapt their buying behavior and get by with fewer goods. Emily Hallas, The Washington Examiner, 21 June 2025 Shallow suggests casting teams would be good judges of reality-TV performance, as well as story producers, hosts, and EPs — all the people on set who see how a reality performance comes together. Joe Reid, Vulture, 21 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for suggest
Recent Examples of Synonyms for suggest
Verb
  • The document also indicated that more than 6,400 U.S. citizens living in Israel had submitted documentation asking for information regarding U.S.-charted evacuation flights.
    Adam Sabes , Julia Bonavita, FOXNews.com, 23 June 2025
  • The fact that oil prices fell sharply after the news broke also indicates that traders viewed the immediate threat of a widening war as diminished.
    Robert Rapier, Forbes.com, 23 June 2025
Verb
  • And forget about asking the agent to recommend the best plan based on your calling history.
    Mike Murchison, Forbes.com, 26 June 2025
  • Choose formulas with at least SPF 30 or higher, though Dr. Levine is quick to recommend SPF 45 or more for everyday wear.
    Brigitt Earley, Glamour, 26 June 2025
Verb
  • In 2024, both presidential candidates proposed a tax credit for family caregivers; a bipartisan bill now in the House would establish a federal tax credit of $5,000 a year.
    Kat McGowan, NPR, 20 June 2025
  • The Food and Drug Administration proposed a dramatic expansion of its power to speed up drug reviews.
    Annika Kim Constantino,Ashley Capoot, CNBC, 20 June 2025
Verb
  • Billionaire hedge-fund manager Bill Ackman offered to bankroll someone, anyone, who would run against Mamdani, implying his mayoralty would spur a flight with the ultrarich.
    Preston Fore, Fortune, 27 June 2025
  • An old friend of Donna’s who, it’s implied, became more than friends after her husband left.
    Whitney Friedlander, Vulture, 27 June 2025
Verb
  • Brown’s 1962 how-to guide for modern single women to dominate both in relationships and at the office was radical in one way, advising women to cherish being single rather than seeing it as a sign of their deficiency.
    Alice Bolin June 23, Literary Hub, 23 June 2025
  • The final decision about Iran's response will be made by Khamenei; the parliament's vote to close the strait merely advises him of the option to pursue.
    Adeola Adeosun, MSNBC Newsweek, 23 June 2025
Verb
  • Even 6 inches of moving water can pose a serious risk of knocking you off your feet.
    STAR-TELEGRAM WEATHER BOT, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 1 July 2025
  • The industry is under further threat posed by the uncertainty over the outcome of tariff negotiations between the Trump administration and international countries.
    Martino Carrera, Footwear News, 1 July 2025
Verb
  • General manager Marc Eversley hinted after Wednesday’s first round that the Bulls were considering a trade down in the second round — and that the roster is expected to undergo further change before the season.
    Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 27 June 2025
  • Executive producer Coogler has hinted the show will also tee up some themes from Avengers: Doomsday.
    Jennifer Zhan, Vulture, 24 June 2025
Verb
  • Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.
    Escher Walcott, People.com, 29 June 2025
  • Located within The Flat Iron Hotel, Luminosa offers a hyper-local, sustainable take on Italian cuisine.
    Nicole Letts, Southern Living, 29 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Suggest.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/suggest. Accessed 4 Jul. 2025.

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