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 study also contained hints that treating young children can improve motor function, not just stabilize it. — Jonathan Wosen, STAT, 3 Sep. 2026 But smokejumpers generally eschew the spotlight—even a hint of braggadocio amid their ranks is looked down upon—and so their work feels especially shrouded. — M. R. O’Connor, New Yorker, 2 Sep. 2026

Verb

The fact Dodson and Gay played in the preseason finale hints that they could be released this weekend. — Omar Kelly, Miami Herald, 28 Aug. 2026 But early signs hint that the code is not focused enough on primary care (to the extent G2211 was intended for it) and may be too tied to visits when primary care is so much more. — Ishani Ganguli, STAT, 28 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for hint

Recent Examples of Synonyms for hint

Noun

Beneath the cringe internet overshare was a welcome indication that the vaginal microbiome has finally moved from an obscure area of medical research into mainstream conversation.

— Amy Francombe, Vogue, 4 Sep. 2026
The Navy said the cause of the incident remains under investigation, but there is no indication the emergency was caused by hostile action.

— Catherine Bouvet, ABC News, 4 Sep. 2026

Definition of indication

Noun

Although the proffer glitch gave the defense what appeared to be a glimmer of hope, Long’s recording, too, was played for jurors.

— John L. Smith, Rolling Stone, 2 Sep. 2026
Peppered amid the challenges for 2025 were glimmers of hope through successes like Weapons ($270 million globally on a $38 million budget), while modestly budgeted reboots Freakier Friday and Final Destination Bloodlines also turned profits.

— Ryan Gajewski, HollywoodReporter, 2 Sep. 2026

Definition of glimmer

Noun

Her clothes are simple but bright, with sometimes a bit of shiny thread or a sprinkling of sequins; décolletage is a thing of the future.

— Robert Lloyd, Los Angeles Times, 26 Aug. 2026
This one promised not only travel-show vibes but, perhaps, a sprinkling of reality TV, another guilty pleasure of mine.

— Jon Allsop, New Yorker, 23 Aug. 2026

Definition of sprinkling

Verb

Forgive my speculation, but all this seems to indicate a breaking point if Cincinnati doesn’t find success this year.

— Chris Branch, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2026
The pilots did not inform air traffic controllers of any problems with the plane prior to landing, air traffic control audio indicated.

— Maria Aguilar Prieto, CNN Money, 7 Sep. 2026

Definition of indicate

Noun

The trouble was a bacterial abscess on the child’s neck, swollen, red, warm to the touch, about the size of a ping-pong ball, large enough to force the head into a tilt.

— Eric Boodman, STAT, 3 Sep. 2026
Chic details like a closet carefully laid out with beach needs like La Roqqa tote bags and sandals and luxury Ortigia bath products are thoughtful touches.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 3 Sep. 2026

Definition of touch

Noun

İnönü, resisting advice from military leaders to ignore the result, resigned from the presidency and took up a new role as the leader of the opposition in the parliament.

— Nick TaborAll, Encyclopedia Britannica, 2 Sep. 2026
That's not the best sports gambling advice to give out numbers like that.

— David Troy OutKick, FOXNews.com, 2 Sep. 2026

Definition of advice

Browse Nearby Words

hinny

hint

hint (at)

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Style

“Hint.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hint. Accessed 8 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of hint

noun

verb

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