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
As indicated by some of our favorite ensembles below, white pants will pair easily with the rest of your cold-weather wardrobe, like cozy wool coats, rugged combat boots, and lug-sole loafers.
—
Christina Holevas, Vogue, 9 Dec. 2025
Data from the Syrian Network for Human Rights indicate that more than 170,000 people remain forcibly disappeared in Syria between March 2011 and August 2025, an overwhelming majority of whom were held in former Assad regime detention centers.
—Ashley Carnahan, FOXNews.com, 9 Dec. 2025
Our findings indicate that epigenetic signals like DNA methylation might help clinicians and researchers develop more effective treatment strategies.
—Amery Treble-Barna, The Conversation, 9 Dec. 2025
There are emotionally unavailable hunters, and white water rafting trips that indicate the end of love.
—Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 9 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for indicate
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Christina Holevas, Vogue, 9 Dec. 2025
Data from the Syrian Network for Human Rights indicate that more than 170,000 people remain forcibly disappeared in Syria between March 2011 and August 2025, an overwhelming majority of whom were held in former Assad regime detention centers.
—Ashley Carnahan, FOXNews.com, 9 Dec. 2025
Our findings indicate that epigenetic signals like DNA methylation might help clinicians and researchers develop more effective treatment strategies.
—Amery Treble-Barna, The Conversation, 9 Dec. 2025
There are emotionally unavailable hunters, and white water rafting trips that indicate the end of love.
—Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 9 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 10 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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