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

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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

Other teams have seen hints in different observations as well. — Quanta Magazine, 9 July 2026 Please do not leave without sampling the divine dessert of Caribbean coffee-chocolate delice with a hint of tonka beans and cacao nibs. — James Rampton, TheWeek, 9 July 2026

Verb

The outlet also noted the presence of a Krispy Kreme truck outside the arena, hinting that donuts may also be on the menu. — Juliana Ukiomogbe, InStyle, 1 July 2026 On Tuesday, Isaacman also hinted that a test version of a NASA Mars rover might be repurposed to send to the lunar surface. — Denise Chow, NBC news, 30 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for hint

Recent Examples of Synonyms for hint

Noun

There’s no indication berries are involved in current outbreaks.

— Erika Edwards, NBC news, 10 July 2026
Although again, there is no indication that Oman is interested in this, much less actively discussing it.

— Paul Iddon, Forbes.com, 10 July 2026

Definition of indication

Noun

But there are glimmers of romance, too, courtesy of Hollis’ childhood boyfriend Jack, played by Timothy Olyphant.

— Tracy Brown, Los Angeles Times, 10 July 2026
But there is a glimmer of hope in the willingness of this court and other courts to reject the administration’s egregious departures from the moral high ground.

— Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 10 July 2026

Definition of glimmer

Noun

This relaxed college town, home to Cal Poly, boasts a renowned Thursday night Farmer's Market with diverse food and live music, including famous tri-tip.

— Michael Goldstein, Forbes.com, 11 July 2026
While experts have tips for preparing food at home, dining out means letting someone else do the prep work, including washing produce and cooking food to the right temperature.

— Eduardo Cuevas, USA Today, 11 July 2026

Definition of tip

Noun

The finishing touch is a generous sprinkling of flaky salt around the cake's edge, just like a cocktail rim.

— Mary Shannon Wells, Southern Living, 5 July 2026
On Friday, a sprinkling of red Portugal jerseys dotted the ocean of yellow worn in support of Colombia and Ghana for a 2026 FIFA World Cup Round of 32 match at Kansas City (Arrowhead) Stadium.

— PJ Green July 4, Kansas City Star, 4 July 2026

Definition of sprinkling

Verb

Designed for evolving missions The latest award follows an earlier Titan procurement by JIATF-401, indicating continued confidence in the platform.

— Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 7 July 2026
The motion is unlikely to pass, but indicates how deeply politicized the issue has become.

— CNN Money, CNN Money, 7 July 2026

Definition of indicate

Noun

Zann eventually got a call from casting director Meredith Layne and a screenplay with lines that were instantly familiar from her time voicing Rogue, the spunky heroine whose touch can be deadly, in the ‘90s.

— Carlos Aguilar, Los Angeles Times, 10 July 2026
Tatum and Hollis share a tender moment over a cigarette in which Hollis vows to call her the next day and stay in touch better.

— Olivia B. Waxman, Time, 9 July 2026

Definition of touch

Noun

The information provided is for educational purposes and should not be construed as financial, investment or trading advice.

— USA TODAY, USA Today, 8 July 2026
One of the questions submitted by an audience member in Dallas asked the pair to think back to 2019 and give their younger selves some advice about setting out on this journey.

— Angelique Jackson, Variety, 8 July 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 13 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of hint

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verb

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