as in indications
a slight or indirect pointing to something (as a solution or explanation)
vainly searched for a clue to the answer
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Recent Examples of clues
Aria Bendix, NBC news, 12 May 2026
And while crime dramas tend to incorporate a bevy of clues that investigators (and viewers) must try to piece together with the aid of cutting-edge technology, in the Guthrie case, like so many other missing persons investigations, the clues just don’t exist.
—Josh Campbell, CNN Money, 12 May 2026
Still, like the rubies, the opals hold incredible scientific value, offering clues to whether Mars was ever home to life.
—Adam Kovac, Scientific American, 12 May 2026
Sports Edition Coach — a spot to gather clues and discuss (and share) scores.
—Mark Cooper, New York Times, 12 May 2026
Travelers get packing lists and clues beforehand but open envelopes at the airport to find their connecting flight and final destination.
—Doug Turnbull, AJC.com, 10 May 2026
The only clues that date his wanderings arrive in the shape of a mid-century refrigerator, or a certain hairstyle, or a peeling political bumper sticker.
—Hua Hsu, The Atlantic, 28 Apr. 2026
In the weeks before Andrew Lloyd Webber announced the New York staging of his The Phantom of the Opera reboot Masquerade last year, cryptic messages and clues began popping up, not least being the appearance of the masked singer outside the Tony Awards ceremony.
—Greg Evans, Deadline, 28 Apr. 2026
The Scooby Doo quest, the heart of the night, comes complete with a 14-page manual full of character bios, clues and missions.
—Todd Martens, Los Angeles Times, 28 Apr. 2026
Noun
The limited number of past outbreaks could offer clues about how the cruise ship passengers got sick — but doctors who have studied hantavirus said there’s more to learn.
—Aria Bendix, NBC news, 12 May 2026
And while crime dramas tend to incorporate a bevy of clues that investigators (and viewers) must try to piece together with the aid of cutting-edge technology, in the Guthrie case, like so many other missing persons investigations, the clues just don’t exist.
—Josh Campbell, CNN Money, 12 May 2026
Still, like the rubies, the opals hold incredible scientific value, offering clues to whether Mars was ever home to life.
—Adam Kovac, Scientific American, 12 May 2026
Sports Edition Coach — a spot to gather clues and discuss (and share) scores.
—Mark Cooper, New York Times, 12 May 2026
Travelers get packing lists and clues beforehand but open envelopes at the airport to find their connecting flight and final destination.
—Doug Turnbull, AJC.com, 10 May 2026
The only clues that date his wanderings arrive in the shape of a mid-century refrigerator, or a certain hairstyle, or a peeling political bumper sticker.
—Hua Hsu, The Atlantic, 28 Apr. 2026
In the weeks before Andrew Lloyd Webber announced the New York staging of his The Phantom of the Opera reboot Masquerade last year, cryptic messages and clues began popping up, not least being the appearance of the masked singer outside the Tony Awards ceremony.
—Greg Evans, Deadline, 28 Apr. 2026
The Scooby Doo quest, the heart of the night, comes complete with a 14-page manual full of character bios, clues and missions.
—Todd Martens, Los Angeles Times, 28 Apr. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for clues
Noun
-
Advances in soil science were key to the latest search after new soil testing returned some indications of human remains, Parkinson said.—
Ray Sanchez,
CNN Money,
10 May 2026
-
That passage may be aimed at indications that politicians may rely on another expansive revenue projection, ala 2022, to postpone the day of reckoning.—
Dan Walters,
Oc Register,
4 May 2026
Verb
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In it, Martin, who is curating the show, tells Elmo of the significance of the performance — and gets some help choosing the performers.—
Phil Helsel,
NBC news,
14 May 2026
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Turner tells him the story is already filed with the press.—
Paul Fitzgerald,
Rolling Stone,
14 May 2026
Noun
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Demos at the show ran the gamut from movies and video clips to live soccer matches, navigation arrows, and turn-by-turn cues painted directly onto the road.—
New Atlas,
New Atlas,
15 May 2026
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More than a classic afternoon tea, the experience takes quiet cues from kaiseki, emphasizing balance, seasonality and artful presentation.—
Roger Sands,
Forbes.com,
15 May 2026
Verb
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From bougainvillea pink to garden greens, see how nature informs designer Peter Dunham's fearless use of color and pattern.—
Eleni N. Gage,
Better Homes & Gardens,
13 May 2026
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Inside, the metal drive-mode knob is treated to a red anodized finish, which also informs the color of the contrast stitching, seatbelts, headrest embroidery, and piping.—
Bradley Iger,
Robb Report,
8 May 2026
Noun
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With hints of Nashville and LA sprinkled throughout the shop, a KC native just opened a new boutique and embroidery bar in the Northland.—
Jenna Ebbers,
Kansas City Star,
12 May 2026
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The thread packed with hints served as a playful nod to Taylor Swift's new sourdough obsession and her relationship with Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce.—
Paloma Chavez,
PEOPLE,
12 May 2026
Verb
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Beth Chatelain, a former ATF attorney who now advises gun shops at the firm Zeroed In Legal Solutions, said the changes track political tides, but won’t necessarily last.—
Nick Penzenstadler,
USA Today,
12 May 2026
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One of these is Paddy Galloway, which advises creators including Jimmy Donaldson, known to the world as MrBeast, and sports creator Jesse Riedel, also known as Jesser.—
Lim Hui Jie,
CNBC,
11 May 2026
Noun
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Sohaib fed Muneeb more suggestions.—
Nate Anderson,
ArsTechnica,
12 May 2026
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The suggestions offer insight into the decision-making process of each official.—
Ishani Desai,
Sacbee.com,
12 May 2026
Verb
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Cindy Kobold, an Arizona Public Service meteorologist, said the technology notifies them about 45 minutes faster on average than the first 911 call.—
Dorany Pineda,
Los Angeles Times,
4 May 2026
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Meta already notifies parents when their teens discuss self-harm or suicide on Instagram.—
Jibin Joseph,
PC Magazine,
23 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Clues.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/clues. Accessed 17 May. 2026.
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