indicate

verb

in·​di·​cate ˈin-də-ˌkāt 

indicated; indicating

transitive verb

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

Synonyms of indicate

• mean
• signify
• denote

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

The Astros’ rotation is in such a state that ruling anyone out as a candidate to start games seems silly, but their actions indicate Imai is something of a last resort. — Chandler Rome, New York Times, 19 Aug. 2026

Studies indicate that roughly 35% of podcasts are female-founded or hosted by women, compared to 65% by men. — Frank Racioppi, Forbes.com, 19 Aug. 2026

The report indicates that Dcoop is now in pole position to secure the takeover of Deoleo, leading the likes of Italian companies Coricelli, Bonifiche Ferraresi and Newlat Food, French firm Lesieur (Avril), and Australia's Cobram Estate Olive. — Sam Meredith, CNBC, 19 Aug. 2026

Automotive expert Paul Eisenstein of Autoline TV said the number of vehicles recalled this year has surged, even as industry data indicates overall vehicle quality may be reaching historically high levels. — Gino Vicci, CBS News, 18 Aug. 2026

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

1651, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Rhymes for indicate

• abdicate
• abrogate
• acetate
• activate
• actuate
• aggravate
• agitate
• alginate
• alienate
• allocate
• amputate
• angulate

Kids 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