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

Her voice tends to stay in a middle range, with only a slight hint of huskiness. — Spencer Kornhaber, The Atlantic, 23 July 2026 Though it's not stated specifically in the NASA release, that may be a hint as to why the mission's rocket was changed. — Josh Dinner, Space.com, 23 July 2026

Verb

Rogers hinted that there wasn’t any drama that led to their breakup. — Shelby Stivale, Entertainment Weekly, 22 July 2026 While challenges like corporate and political opposition exist, similar hurdles were overcome when the 40-hour week was adopted, hinting this could be the next evolution of work. — Adia Harvey Wingfield, Forbes.com, 21 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for hint

Recent Examples of Synonyms for hint

Noun

There was no indication that the world’s largest sporting event, the FIFA World Cup 2026, was taking place or that South Florida was playing a key role, hosting seven matches.

— Vinod Sreeharsha, Miami Herald, 25 July 2026
The changing entry-level job market One indication of that restructuring may be the decline in hiring opportunities for new graduates.

— Felysha Walker, Kansas City Star, 24 July 2026

Definition of indication

Noun

Try serving with a dollop of sour cream and a generous sprinkling of powdered sugar.

— Ashlyn Ware, Midwest Living, 21 July 2026
McLean and his team are working around the clock, sprinkling water on the course only in the mornings and evenings, barely enough moisture to keep the blades of grass alive.

— Gabby Herzig, New York Times, 16 July 2026

Definition of sprinkling

Verb

While the original version of the show was criticized for excess changes, members of the new creative team, in their statements, indicate more fealty to the original.

— Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 27 July 2026
The label should indicate whether the food is good for growth, for adult maintenance, or suitable for all ages.

— Lauren Paige Richeson, USA Today, 27 July 2026

Definition of indicate

Noun

The murderer, weapon and room change with every performance, allowing attendees to decode puzzles and identify a unique set of clues.

— Claire Harutunian, Charlotte Observer, 27 July 2026
Biosignatures are possible signs of biology on other planets, whereas technosignatures are clues to the presence of advanced technology that might be detectable across light-years.

— Keith Cooper, Space.com, 27 July 2026

Definition of clue

Noun

The defense has questioned why investigators did not conduct more extensive touch DNA testing on other items found in Burke’s home.

— Nancy Dillon, Rolling Stone, 24 July 2026
TouchLab unveiled electronic skin, giving robots a crucial sense of touch for delicate handling and safe interaction.

— Bernard Marr, Forbes.com, 24 July 2026

Definition of touch

Noun

Beyond the device, Tang and Collier shared some compelling advice for spending less time on your phone starting right now.

— New Atlas, New Atlas, 22 July 2026
That trust is reinforced by a constant focus on improving governance, not solely by directives but by taking in the best advice from all stakeholders.

— Liron Zaslansky, semafor.com, 22 July 2026

Definition of advice

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hinny

hint

hint (at)

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Style

“Hint.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hint. Accessed 28 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of hint

noun

verb

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