indicate

verb

in·​di·​cate ˈin-də-ˌkāt How to pronounce indicate (audio)
indicated; indicating

transitive verb

1
a
: to point out or point to
b
: to be a sign, symptom, or index of
the high fever indicates a serious condition
c
: to demonstrate or suggest the necessity or advisability of
indicated the need for a new school
the indicated treatment
2
: to state or express briefly
indicated a desire to cooperate

Examples of indicate in a Sentence

Our records indicate a depth of 3,000 feet here. The map indicates where the treasure is buried. There is nothing to indicate that the two events are connected. The size of his offer indicates that he is eager to buy the house. The general used a long ruler to indicate on the map exactly where the troops would land. We asked how to get to the rear entrance, and he indicated a path leading around the right side of the building. See More
Recent Examples on the Web The bones indicate that adult animals were selected for sacrifice rather than young. Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 22 Nov. 2023 In October, Bond producer Barbara Broccoli indicated fans may have to wait a while longer until a new actor is announced. Jack Smart, Peoplemag, 22 Nov. 2023 On Tuesday, Wright indicated that the housing authority's board would not appoint members of the housing authority's board to the board of the nonprofit. Joseph Flaherty, arkansasonline.com, 22 Nov. 2023 Economists at the firm indicate the gap between rent inflation and headline inflation, 3.1%, is at its highest in over six decades. Wsj Pro, WSJ, 21 Nov. 2023 But during oral arguments this month, justices on both sides of the Supreme Court’s ideological divide seemed to indicate that the Constitution does not prohibit legislatures from passing laws to disarm individuals found to be dangerous. Salvador Rizzo, Washington Post, 21 Nov. 2023 Founded through military conquest rather than a national movement that might indicate a skilled middle class, the Saudi state prioritized family authority over economic diversification. Christiaan Hetzner, Fortune, 21 Nov. 2023 In a statement, the brand indicated that Snyder had a tough time choosing which periods and artists mine from The Met’s catalog, which spans over 5,000 years of art. Demetrius Simms, Robb Report, 20 Nov. 2023 World & Nation With hot October temperatures, this is ‘virtually certain’ to be the warmest year on record Nov. 8, 2023 Advertisement Surpassing 2 degrees once or twice does not indicate a point of no return, Schmidt said. Hayley Smith, Los Angeles Times, 20 Nov. 2023 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'indicate.' 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

Latin indicatus, past participle of indicare, from in- + dicare to proclaim, dedicate — more at diction

First Known Use

1541, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of indicate was in 1541

Dictionary Entries Near indicate

Cite this Entry

“Indicate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/indicate. Accessed 3 Dec. 2023.

Kids Definition

indicate

verb
in·​di·​cate ˈin-də-ˌkāt How to pronounce indicate (audio)
indicated; indicating
1
a
: to point out or point to
b
: to be a sign of
flowers indicating the arrival of spring
2
: to state or express briefly : suggest

Medical Definition

indicate

transitive verb
in·​di·​cate ˈin-də-ˌkāt How to pronounce indicate (audio)
indicated; indicating
1
: to be a fairly certain symptom of : show the presence or existence of
the high fever indicates a serious condition
2
: to call for especially as treatment for a particular condition
radical surgery is often indicated in advanced cancer

More from Merriam-Webster on indicate

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