hint 1 of 2

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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

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hint

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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 nose is captivating with aromas of brown sugar, caramel corn, and vanilla mingle with wood and a hint of cherry. Gege Reed, Louisville Courier Journal, 1 Oct. 2025 With a hint of inspiration for traditional Venetian slippers, a velvet Mary Jane is a perfect fall wardrobe staple. Nneya Richards, Travel + Leisure, 1 Oct. 2025
Verb
The level of churn in training-ground staff hints that the reality of working for Klopp was hard. Simon Hughes, New York Times, 30 Sep. 2025 This evening’s update from the National Hurricane Center seemed to hint that this potential was on the table. Alex Harris, Miami Herald, 30 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for hint
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hint
Noun
  • While the PwC study was conducted in June, there are indications that a potential pullback on footwear spend could be in the works.
    Vicki M. Young, Footwear News, 29 Sep. 2025
  • If this first collection from Dario Vitale is any indication, then certainly, more ‘faggotry’ and ‘cuntiness’ are in store.
    Ludwig Hurtado, Them., 29 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Another name for the quarterback jersey, another glimmer of hope amid despair.
    Jason Lloyd, New York Times, 28 Sep. 2025
  • And Detroit Public Schools Community District has improved in many state test categories — a glimmer of hope that new academic interventions targeting struggling students are working.
    Lily Altavena, Freep.com, 25 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • The same bill has tax breaks for overtime, tips, and Social Security income, which mirror recent changes at the federal level and were pushed for by Hall.
    Paul Egan, Freep.com, 3 Oct. 2025
  • Rainy weather driving tips Switch on headlights - Even during daylight hours, using headlights can enhance visibility and signal your presence to other drivers.
    CA Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 3 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Allende is solidly back in her metier with a multigenerational cast of characters, thrilling action in Chile and a sprinkling of magical realism.
    The Know, Denver Post, 28 Sep. 2025
  • The Texas Chainsaw Massacre and Megalopolis get the documentary treatment as does the inner world of Ye in this end of summer indie weekend with a sprinkling of dramas and comedies.
    Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 19 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Permits are invalid unless they are accompanied by a certificate of veterinary inspection from an accredited veterinarian indicating that the animal is free of disease.
    Lillian Metzmeier, Louisville Courier Journal, 3 Oct. 2025
  • Swift’s 149-show, five-continent expedition encapsulated a tsunami of emotions not just among her fans, but her own journey through a very public breakup, a fling and, as indicated by her engagement to Kelce, knee-buckling love.
    Melissa Ruggieri, USA Today, 3 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Authorities continue to scour the rubble to gather evidence, including searching for clues on the cause of the fire that engulfed the complex, a law enforcement source briefed on the investigation told CNN.
    Holly Yan, CNN Money, 29 Sep. 2025
  • Sports Edition Coach — a spot to gather clues and discuss (and share) scores.
    Mark Cooper, New York Times, 29 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Barry, meanwhile, elicited groans at heavy touches, errant passes and, most gallingly in the eyes of fans, squandering a counter-attacking opportunity with a poor touch.
    Patrick Boyland, New York Times, 6 Oct. 2025
  • The clues have been there from the start, the little touches that aligned Grasso’s bifurcated personality with Tom and Robbie’s.
    Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 6 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • According to the study, approximately 77% of prompts that the model receives through its API—the application programming interface that is primarily used by enterprise customers—involves users requesting the system to perform tasks on their behalf, rather than just providing advice or suggestions.
    Beatrice Nolan, Fortune, 29 Sep. 2025
  • Ron told Vulture in August that his dad actually gave key advice that defined how Opie interacted with his on-screen dad Andy Taylor (played by Griffith).
    Victoria Edel, PEOPLE, 29 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Hint.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hint. Accessed 6 Oct. 2025.

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