hint

1 of 2

noun

1
a
: a statement that expresses indirectly what one prefers not to say explicitly
had been dropping hints that he would like to be invited
b
: an indirect or general suggestion for how to do or solve something
helpful hints for inexperienced cooks
can't tell you the answer but can give you a hint
2
: a slight indication of the existence, approach, or nature of something : clue
gave only a hint of what was to come
3
: a very small amount : suggestion
with just a hint of spice
4
archaic : opportunity, turn

hint

2 of 2

verb

hinted; hinting; hints

transitive verb

: to convey indirectly and by allusion rather than explicitly
a suspicion that she scarcely dared to hint

intransitive verb

: to give an indirect suggestion or piece of evidence that leads one toward the solution of a problem : to give a hint
usually used with at
hint at the answer
hinter noun
Choose the Right Synonym for hint

suggest, imply, hint, intimate, insinuate 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

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

hint implies the use of slight or remote suggestion with a minimum of overt statement.

hinted that she might get the job

intimate stresses delicacy of suggestion without connoting any lack of candor.

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

insinuate applies to the conveying of a usually unpleasant idea in a sly underhanded manner.

insinuated that there were shady dealings

Examples of hint in a Sentence

Noun Her face gave me a hint of what she was thinking. “I have a lot of work to do.” “OK, I'll leave. I can take a hint.” The sauce has a subtle hint of garlic. He had a hint of a German accent. They'll betray you at the first hint of trouble. Verb I keep hinting, but she's not catching on. I think I need to be more direct. The boss hinted about possible layoffs.
Recent Examples on the Web
Noun
Bright, medium deep yellow; aromas of yellow plum, pear jelly and a hint of saffron. Tom Hyland, Forbes, 23 Oct. 2024 These are rooted in cedarwood, clover, and cinnamon for a hint of sweet spice. Kiana Murden, Vogue, 23 Oct. 2024
Verb
On Wednesday, Musk hinted that even though the Roadster is still TBD, Tesla might have bigger plans in store, which might make private equity billionaire Peter Thiel very pleased. Amanda Gerut, Fortune, 24 Oct. 2024 China’s Minister of Finance then earlier this month hinted that the country had space to increase its debt and its deficit. Sophie Kiderlin, CNBC, 23 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for hint 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'hint.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Noun and Verb

probably alteration of obsolete hent act of seizing, from hent, verb

First Known Use

Noun

1604, in the meaning defined at sense 4

Verb

1648, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Time Traveler
The first known use of hint was in 1604

Dictionary Entries Near hint

Cite this Entry

“Hint.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hint. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.

Kids Definition

hint

1 of 2 noun
1
: a slight mention : a suggestion or reminder
a hint of winter in the air
2
: a slight indication of the existence or nature of something : clue
3
: a very small amount : trace
a hint of garlic

hint

2 of 2 verb
: to bring to mind by or give a hint
hinter noun

More from Merriam-Webster on hint

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