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
Currently, there is no data indicating the containment progress of the fire and its cause remains undetermined.
—
Ca Wildfire Bot, Sacbee.com, 24 Dec. 2025
Though it has previously been reported that investigations of possible Epstein co-conspirators were a focus after his death, the new disclosures indicate that those efforts had already begun by the time he was arrested -- and were in fact well underway.
—James Hill, ABC News, 23 Dec. 2025
While there is no conclusive evidence indicating a best time to drink aloe vera gel for digestive health, consuming it at specific times may support different health goals.
—Anna Giorgi, Verywell Health, 23 Dec. 2025
Early reports indicate that kids are fooling the age-recognition software with sophisticated techniques such as drawing on facial hair and substituting celebrity photos for their own.
—Jay Caspian Kang, New Yorker, 23 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for indicate
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
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Ca Wildfire Bot, Sacbee.com, 24 Dec. 2025
Though it has previously been reported that investigations of possible Epstein co-conspirators were a focus after his death, the new disclosures indicate that those efforts had already begun by the time he was arrested -- and were in fact well underway.
—James Hill, ABC News, 23 Dec. 2025
While there is no conclusive evidence indicating a best time to drink aloe vera gel for digestive health, consuming it at specific times may support different health goals.
—Anna Giorgi, Verywell Health, 23 Dec. 2025
Early reports indicate that kids are fooling the age-recognition software with sophisticated techniques such as drawing on facial hair and substituting celebrity photos for their own.
—Jay Caspian Kang, New Yorker, 23 Dec. 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 24 Dec. 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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