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

Insider tip While nearly every dining experience at Grupo Xcaret is included in your stay, there’s one exception.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 3 Aug. 2026
Nanos said on Saturday the investigation remains active as labs across the country continue to analyze DNA, videos and photos, while investigators look into the thousands of tips that continue to come in.

— Rebekah Riess, CNN Money, 1 Aug. 2026

Definition of tip

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

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

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 3 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

mitigate

Popular in Grammar & Usage

7 Pairs of Commonly Confused Words

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

'Sneaked' or 'Snuck': Which is correct?

Why does English have so many silent letters?

Popular in Wordplay

Dutch Treat and French Leave: Eight Place-Based Compounds

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

The Longest Long Words List

How long is a jiffy?

Even More Bird Names that Sound Like Insults (and Sometimes Are)

Popular

7 Pairs of Commonly Confused Words

Dutch Treat and French Leave: Eight Place-Based Compounds

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

Games & Quizzes