HINT Synonyms: 239 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'hint' distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of hint are imply , insinuate , intimate , and suggest . While all these words mean "to convey an idea indirectly," hint implies the use of slight or remote suggestion with a minimum of overt statement. // hinted that she might get the job

Q: How are the words 'imply' and 'suggest' related as synonyms of 'hint'?

Imply is close to suggest but may indicate a more definite or logical relation of the unexpressed idea to the expressed. // measures implying that bankruptcy was imminent

Q: When is 'insinuate' a more appropriate choice than 'hint'?

The meanings of insinuate and hint largely overlap; however, insinuate applies to the conveying of a usually unpleasant idea in a sly underhanded manner. // insinuated that there were shady dealings

Q: When might 'intimate' be a better fit than 'hint'?

The words intimate and hint can be used in similar contexts, but intimate stresses delicacy of suggestion without connoting any lack of candor. // intimates that there is more to the situation than meets the eye

Q: In what contexts can 'suggest' take the place of 'hint'?

While in some cases nearly identical to hint , suggest may stress putting into the mind by association of ideas, awakening of a desire, or initiating a train of thought. // a film title that suggests its subject matter

hint 1 of 2

noun

ˈhint

Definition of hint

as in indication

a slight or indirect pointing to something (as a solution or explanation) can't you give me some hint as to where you're taking me?

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in glimmer

an almost imperceptible sign of something there was the slightest hint of scorn in her voice

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in tip

a piece of advice or useful information especially from an expert some helpful hints for cleaning carpet stains

Synonyms & Similar Words

as in sprinkling

a very small amount I detect just a hint of mint in the sauce

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

hint

2 of 2

verb

as in to indicate

to convey an idea indirectly kept hinting that she wouldn't mind an invitation to spend the weekend at their beach house

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How is the word hint distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of hint are imply, insinuate, intimate, and suggest. While all these words mean "to convey an idea indirectly," hint implies the use of slight or remote suggestion with a minimum of overt statement.

hinted that she might get the job

How are the words imply and suggest related as synonyms of hint?

Imply is close to suggest but may indicate a more definite or logical relation of the unexpressed idea to the expressed.

measures implying that bankruptcy was imminent

When is insinuate a more appropriate choice than hint?

The meanings of insinuate and hint largely overlap; however, insinuate applies to the conveying of a usually unpleasant idea in a sly underhanded manner.

insinuated that there were shady dealings

When might intimate be a better fit than hint?

The words intimate and hint can be used in similar contexts, but intimate stresses delicacy of suggestion without connoting any lack of candor.

intimates that there is more to the situation than meets the eye

In what contexts can suggest take the place of hint?

While in some cases nearly identical to hint, suggest may stress putting into the mind by association of ideas, awakening of a desire, or initiating a train of thought.

a film title that suggests its subject matter

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of hint

Noun

There was no hint of trouble in weather or sky as the thirty-foot trolling boat Roamer cast off her lines, backed away from the dock, and moved out across Munising Bay. — James D. Oxley, Outdoor Life, 5 Aug. 2026 Do not retreat into hints and hope someone guesses correctly. — Tarot.com, The Orlando Sentinel, 5 Aug. 2026

Verb

David Harbour hinted that his new show with Millie Bobby Brown is for Hopper and Eleven fans. — Shelby Stivale, Entertainment Weekly, 7 Aug. 2026 But as the lyric hinted, that agility was fueled by pressure as much as style. — Stephen Kearse, Pitchfork, 7 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for hint

Recent Examples of Synonyms for hint

Noun

While investigations into their death continues, experts say there are indications that some of the influencers did have relationships with criminal organizations and were killed as acts of reprisal by rival factions.

— Rey Rodríguez, CNN Money, 8 Aug. 2026
Gibbs had been participating in meetings at camp, but Thursday was his first appearance on the field, an indication the Lions and his agents were close to a deal.

— Paula Pasche, Chicago Tribune, 6 Aug. 2026

Definition of indication

Noun

If there is a glimmer of hope in the smoke, it can be found in the relatively low mortality rates for these recent urban fires, and their largely successful evacuations, which demonstrate real social cohesion and admirable courage and civic spirit.

— John Vaillant, Time, 8 Aug. 2026
As his mind retreats to the hues of old movies, Charlotte breaks the fog with a glimmer of humanity.

— Andy Andersen, Vulture, 7 Aug. 2026

Definition of glimmer

Noun

San Bernardino deputies said the Sheriff's Rural Crimes Task Force took over the investigation and asked anyone with tips to send them to law enforcement.

— Matthew Rodriguez, CBS News, 12 Aug. 2026
But Spain and the northeastern tip of Portugal will experience a special spectacle as totality, which will last just under two minutes, occurs right before sunset.

— Ashley Strickland, CNN Money, 12 Aug. 2026

Definition of tip

Noun

Lollapalooza attendees were met with on-and-off sprinkling all day but about 45 minutes into the Smashing Pumpkins' set, a consistent enough rainfall led fans to pull on ponchos, with some even leaving early.

— Greta Cross, USA Today, 1 Aug. 2026
Navy cat-eye polish sparkles under 3D seashell ridges and a sprinkling of pearls.

— Ariel Wodarcyk, InStyle, 22 July 2026

Definition of sprinkling

Verb

The report also indicated that Chinese developers continued to use Nvidia chips for training advanced models despite efforts to expand domestic alternatives.

— Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 11 Aug. 2026
State inspection records show multiple water quality and safety violations at Hialeah's Bucky Dent Water Park, indicating concerns beyond the permitting issues city officials have publicly cited for the facility's closure.

— Abby Dodge, CBS News, 11 Aug. 2026

Definition of indicate

Noun

The latest figures will offer more clues on the inflation outlook and the Federal Reserve’s next moves on interest rates.

— , CNBC, 10 Aug. 2026
In rocks from the interior of Rio Grande do Sul, 240-million-year-old fossils still hold clues about the origin of the animal groups that would transform terrestrial ecosystems forever.

— The Conversation, Fortune, 10 Aug. 2026

Definition of clue

Noun

Inside, take delight in cozy touches like a wood-burning fireplace and glass windows that were salvaged from an old church.

— Elise Taylor, Vogue, 7 Aug. 2026
Knitwear made from thin, airy materials or designed with an oversized fit is ideal for providing the touch of warmth needed on cool summer nights, while also working well with extra layers when fall weather arrives.

— Natalie LaBarbera, PEOPLE, 7 Aug. 2026

Definition of touch

Noun

Their intentions are good, but their advice can miss the real loss.

— Dr. Diane Hamilton, Forbes.com, 5 Aug. 2026
For example, the Wounaan ancestral story of creation includes advice from the Creator on how to revise initial errors made in forming humans, showing the importance of making improvements to create change.

— Chenier Carpio Opua, The Conversation, 5 Aug. 2026

Definition of advice

Browse Nearby Words

hinny

hint

hint (at)

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Hint.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hint. Accessed 12 Aug. 2026.

Copy Citation

Synonyms of hint

noun

verb

Synonym Chooser

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster on hint

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

gnomic

Popular in Grammar & Usage

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

7 Pairs of Commonly Confused Words

Is that lie 'bald-faced' or 'bold-faced'?

'A' or 'an'? What about before 'h'? An Indefinite Article Guide

Why is '-ed' sometimes pronounced at the end of a word?

Popular in Wordplay

Words from the 'Odyssey'

The Longest Long Words List

It's a Scorcher! Words for the Summer Heat

12 Lovely and Unusual Words for the Natural World

'Gaslighting,' 'Woke,' 'Democracy,' and Other Top Lookups

Popular

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

Words from the 'Odyssey'

The Longest Long Words List

Games & Quizzes