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

The tins have just a hint of design and a slightly rounded bottom. — Justine Sterling, Bon Appetit Magazine, 31 July 2026 Those hints are important, because Avelino told IndieWire that a lot else has been stripped away from the Silo’s greatest engineer. — Daron James, IndieWire, 31 July 2026

Verb

In his final remarks before leaving the protest camp at the Jantar Mantar observatory, CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke hinted that his party was not going away. — Rhea Mogul, CNN Money, 28 July 2026 Detmers is under relatively inexpensive cost control Owner Steve Cohen has already hinted about being less aggressive in free agency this winter, when the guidelines concerning spending in the sport will be rewritten. — Tim Britton, New York Times, 27 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for hint

Recent Examples of Synonyms for hint

Noun

Initially, authorities said there were no apparent indications of foul play and that Wells could have drowned, noting the area is known for its dangerous rip currents.

— Adam England, PEOPLE, 31 July 2026
The clearest indication of Chelsea’s direction is the signing of Morgan Rogers.

— Graham Ruthven, New York Times, 31 July 2026

Definition of indication

Noun

Ted Pappageorge, of Culinary Workers Union Local 226, said the policy is not effective, especially for married couples who both rely on tips as spouses must share the $25,000 cap.

— Juhi Doshi, ABC News, 5 Aug. 2026
Follow these quick tips to boost blooming and maintain healthy crepe myrtles for many seasons to come.

— Lauren Landers, The Spruce, 4 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

Ironically, the city name Orlando isn’t indicated at all in its airport’s code.

— Martin E. Comas, The Orlando Sentinel, 3 Aug. 2026
Points on the frontier represent efficient production, while points inside the frontier indicate underused resources.

— Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 3 Aug. 2026

Definition of indicate

Noun

For each order, the two work closely with the client to customize based on atmosphere, food preferences and seasonal touches.

— Janice Phelan, Kansas City Star, 31 July 2026
The cabin is customizable, with optional upscale features allowing owners to add their personal touch.

— Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 30 July 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)

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Cite this Entry

Style

“Hint.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hint. Accessed 6 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of hint

noun

verb

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