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
Its natural fiber wick ensures a quality burn and long-lasting scent, giving you time to notice the subtle hints of clove beneath the stronger apple peel fragrance. Melody Kazel, PEOPLE, 10 Sep. 2025 Bring lashes to life with generous coats of L’Oréal Voluminous Mascara (the limit does not exist) and add a hint of flush to cheeks with your favorite rosy blush. Karina Hoshikawa, Refinery29, 10 Sep. 2025
Verb
Sharing diaries could also hint toward the two camps finding a time for Prince Harry and King Charles to meet in person. Stephanie Petit, PEOPLE, 8 Sep. 2025 Night one honored key players in narrative fiction (though the results don’t hint obviously at next week’s big winners), and night two shifts to reality, variety, nonfiction, and documentary programming. Proma Khosla, IndieWire, 7 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for hint
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hint
Noun
  • Advocates see that high violation rate as an indication that regulators are missing even more abuses in the fields.
    Max Blau, ProPublica, 16 Sep. 2025
  • Hundreds of millions of smartphones are shipped in one quarter alone, and there’s little indication that smart glasses will ever be nearly as widely adopted.
    Lisa Eadicicco, CNN Money, 15 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • The mid-quarter update offered a glimmer of hope after Six Flags’ disastrous second quarter earnings report in August.
    Brady MacDonald, Oc Register, 12 Sep. 2025
  • Almost certainly out this week also is injured receiver Xavier Worthy (shoulder), who provided most of the scant glimmers of hope in the Super Bowl with eight catches for 157 yards and two touchdowns.
    Vahe Gregorian, Kansas City Star, 11 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • For hair that’s been through the ringer, the treatment mask repairs damage from root to tip, the inside out, and the outside in—regardless of hair type or texture.
    Sophia Panych, Allure, 16 Sep. 2025
  • At the last tip meeting, Kerry congratulates his crew on a job well done.
    Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 16 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Brushed with mayonnaise, the cobs develop a rich and smoky flavor from the grill while a sprinkling of cotija cheese adds a touch of tanginess.
    SAVEUR Editors, Saveur, 4 Sep. 2025
  • It’s finished with a generous sprinkling of salt and a few grinds of black pepper.
    Susan Selasky, Freep.com, 31 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • And many Democrats, who polls indicate still believe in Russiagate in significant numbers, likely clapped.
    Jeremy Lott, The Washington Examiner, 12 Sep. 2025
  • Remember that cognitive difficulty often signals growth, just as physical soreness after exercise indicates muscle development.
    Cornelia C. Walther, Forbes.com, 12 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • That’s because your liver won’t give you obvious clues that say there’s a MASH up going there.
    Bruce Y. Lee, Forbes.com, 16 Sep. 2025
  • One of these is the Lost City, a vast hydrothermal field at the bottom of the Atlantic—a kind of unique prehistoric hotbed of massive, dramatic chimney spires venting chemical reactions that scientists have been studying for clues to how life on Earth (and other planets) began.
    Bonnie Tsui, Time, 15 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Both injuries have significant implications for fantasy, as Jacory Croskey-Merritt is assured more touches in Washington moving forward; in Green Bay, Matthew Golden will have more chances to show his skills with Reed out in Week 3 and beyond.
    Jess Bryant, New York Times, 14 Sep. 2025
  • The businesses that master the balance between using AI to gather insights while maintaining the human touch will be the ones customers choose to return to.
    Shep Hyken, Forbes.com, 14 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Tower 28 had an aha moment when the brand decided to take that advice and create GetSet Matte Powder Blush, which combines the two into one long-wear formula.
    Sophia Panych, Allure, 16 Sep. 2025
  • The first-year player peppered him with questions, while also asking for advice after his first game at Arrowhead Stadium.
    Jesse Newell, New York Times, 15 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Hint.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hint. Accessed 16 Sep. 2025.

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