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.
Recent Examples on the Web This particular clip from 2023 is gaining traction because Vance indicates that car seats are preventing people from having more babies. Kinsey Crowley, USA TODAY, 26 Sep. 2024 These findings may indicate a connection between the risk of SUID and seasonal shifts in infections like RSV, but more research is needed to better understand this link. Dr. Scott Gummerson, ABC News, 26 Sep. 2024 One report indicated that in the months following the hurricane, crisis helpline calls increased by 61 percent, though more than half of the city’s population had fled. Eve Andrews, The Atlantic, 26 Sep. 2024 But in June, the commission indicated that the changes were not enough, saying Microsoft violated EU antitrust rules by bundling Teams with its popular Office suite. Daxia Rojas, Fortune Europe, 26 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for indicate 

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 7 Oct. 2024.

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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