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 2022 season was the first hint of the rivalry’s shifting dynamics. Austin Meek, New York Times, 7 July 2025 Performed on an open-air stage in Oak Park’s Austin Gardens, this production evokes the play’s Mediterranean setting with a hint of Southwestern Americana. Emily McClanathan, Chicago Tribune, 6 July 2025
Verb
The final season sees Player 456/Seong Gi-hun (Lee Jung-jae) make a final attempt to bring down the deadly game from within — while also hinting in its last scene that the games are global in scope. Rick Porter, HollywoodReporter, 1 July 2025 The rapper, who already shares two sons — 3-year-old RZA and 22 month old Riot Rose — with the Grammy winning singer, appeared to hint that the couple is expecting their first baby girl. Vivian Kwarm, New York Daily News, 30 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for hint
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hint
Noun
  • And if these fits are any indication, the rest of ESSENCE Festival 2025 is shaping up to be just as unforgettable.
    Karissa Mitchell, Essence, 5 July 2025
  • In 2024, Brixen approached one million overnight stays, an indication of its growing international profile.
    Paul Caputo, Forbes.com, 4 July 2025
Noun
  • Despite this recent glimmer of hope, injected by crypto bull market excitement, overall public companies are struggling.
    Christopher Perkins, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025
  • But there is a way out of this mess — and a glimmer of hope for Sox fans in the team’s second rebuild since 2017.
    Paul Sullivan, Chicago Tribune, 27 June 2025
Noun
  • Have any news tips or story ideas about the U.S.-Mexico border in Arizona?
    Raphael Romero Ruiz, AZCentral.com, 8 July 2025
  • This advisory is in effect until 8 p.m. Protect yourself during a heat wave with these tips from the NWS Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 8 July 2025
Noun
  • On the side, there’s a salad of carrots, onions and peppers, a perfect scoop of white rice and a sprinkling of herbs.
    Kaitlyn Rosati, New York Daily News, 2 July 2025
  • Nonetheless, his asking out Brooks’s sister Chloe is the perfect sprinkling of drama to kick this show off.
    Tom Smyth, Vulture, 4 June 2025
Verb
  • Look for the first hints of color change to indicate a tomato is ready to harvest.
    Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 5 July 2025
  • So far, there's nothing to indicate any criminality Carl DeFazio, formerly of the NYPD, was brought on as the private investigator in the case.
    July 5, CBS News, 5 July 2025
Noun
  • Former Steelers defensive back Patrick Peterson’s usage could provide some clues.
    Mike DeFabo, New York Times, 9 July 2025
  • The voice conveys subtle but powerful clues into feelings and meanings.
    Carol Kinsey Goman, Forbes.com, 9 July 2025
Noun
  • Hubbard will still get the overwhelming majority of the touches.
    Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 1 July 2025
  • The Adelphi Hotel, a MICHELIN Key property located in historic downtown Saratoga Springs, is putting the final touches on its $75 million-plus expansion and renovation.
    Roger Sands, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025
Noun
  • Google has already issued advice on how to mitigate the dangers of recent SMS Blaster attacks, where the hacker doesn’t even need to know your phone number.
    Davey Winder, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025
  • Using that analogy, Steven Spielberg had some really good advice in post-production.
    Brayden Garcia, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 30 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Hint.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hint. Accessed 12 Jul. 2025.

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