indicate
verb
in·di·cate
ˈin-də-ˌkāt 
indicated; indicating
1
a(1)
: show sense 5
The map indicates where the treasure is buried.
(2)
: to point out or point to
I asked for the exit and he indicated a path down the hall.
b
: to be a sign, symptom, symbol, or index of
The high fever indicates a serious condition.
A new paragraph indicates a change of subject.
c
: to demonstrate or suggest the necessity or advisability of
indicated the need for a new school
the indicated treatment
Further testing is indicated.
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
Whyle’s addition seems to indicate what head coach Matt LaFleur stated after Kraft’s injury that the team will be counting on filling Kraft’s role from within.
—
Michael Gallagher, MSNBC Newsweek, 5 Nov. 2025
In March 2025, Vice President Vance even led a high-profile US delegation to the American military base in Greenland to advocate for annexation, despite polling data indicating that a large majority of Greenlanders have expressed no enthusiasm for an American takeover.
—Literary Hub, 5 Nov. 2025
More troops are on their way to the region, further indicating the administration does not plan to conclude these operations at the end of the 60-day window.
—Mike Brest, The Washington Examiner, 4 Nov. 2025
The research had significant limitations, was not designed to be able to prove cause and effect, and contradicts previous studies that indicated positives for heart health.
—Kristen Rogers, CNN Money, 4 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for indicate
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Michael Gallagher, MSNBC Newsweek, 5 Nov. 2025
In March 2025, Vice President Vance even led a high-profile US delegation to the American military base in Greenland to advocate for annexation, despite polling data indicating that a large majority of Greenlanders have expressed no enthusiasm for an American takeover.
—Literary Hub, 5 Nov. 2025
More troops are on their way to the region, further indicating the administration does not plan to conclude these operations at the end of the 60-day window.
—Mike Brest, The Washington Examiner, 4 Nov. 2025
The research had significant limitations, was not designed to be able to prove cause and effect, and contradicts previous studies that indicated positives for heart health.
—Kristen Rogers, CNN Money, 4 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for indicate
Cite this Entry
“Indicate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/indicate. Accessed 6 Nov. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
indicate
verb
in·di·cate
ˈin-də-ˌkāt
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
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
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