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
Here are some possible candidates Meanwhile, the rest of the world’s 1.4 billion Catholics will have to continue waiting, with no hints about the future leader. Lauren Kent, CNN Money, 7 May 2025 But the game offered few other hints for potential cuts. Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 7 May 2025
Verb
But if the tomato tax takes effect, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has hinted that her country may impose duties on chicken and pork legs imported from the U.S. The tug-of-war over tomatoes has a long history. Dee-Ann Durbin, Los Angeles Times, 4 May 2025 White House officials have hinted that trade negotiations between the nations have been quietly taking place -- a claim China's foreign ministry adamantly denies. Shannon K. Kingston, ABC News, 30 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for hint
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hint
Noun
  • Her crushing loss by Gauff in the semi-finals at Madrid was another indication that the Pole is still fighting herself in a trophyless 2025.
    Tim Ellis, Forbes.com, 4 May 2025
  • Sara Netanyahu’s claim appears to be an indication that the government may have information that some of the 24 hostages have died.
    Jeremy Diamond and Eugenia Yosef, CNN Money, 1 May 2025
Noun
  • The Truist Championship, though, provided a glimmer of analytical hope.
    Justin Ray, New York Times, 14 May 2025
  • In the years since, Henricks and his team have taken those glimmers of potential and transformed them into a thriving organization.
    Sponsored Content, Denver Post, 13 May 2025
Noun
  • Say goodbye to moldy cheese with these key storage tips.
    Katie Rosenhouse, Southern Living, 9 May 2025
  • What’s more, experts offer tips on how to ensure your kids are drinking the best milk possible.
    Parents, Parents, 9 May 2025
Noun
  • Vessel’s proposal in Newtown also hit a sprinkling of public opposition, and planners voted 3-2 against the project.
    Don Stacom, Hartford Courant, 23 Apr. 2025
  • A week of wet and windy weather wasn’t enough to put off buyers, who flocked to various events and meetings, while MIP London offered a sprinkling of star power through David Beckham, who talked about his underwear.
    Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 28 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • The drone attack on Port Sudan indicates a major shift in the two-year conflict between the Sudanese army and the RSF.
    Reuters, CNN Money, 4 May 2025
  • An unnamed ministry spokesperson was cited as saying that Beijing had taken note of various statements by senior U.S. officials indicating a willingness to negotiate over tariffs.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 3 May 2025
Noun
  • What names have new popes taken? More: Praying for white smoke: Papal conclave uses centuries-old method to announce a new pope Historians will study the name for clues to its meanings and connotations.
    George Petras, USA Today, 9 May 2025
  • But the program does not provide any clues as to who that successor could be – and none of the potential successors are given any exposure.
    Peter Rutland, The Conversation, 9 May 2025
Noun
  • The big twist comes a touch too late — leaving the movie no time to deal with the ramifications of key revelations — and lands with an awkward thud.
    Lovia Gyarkye, HollywoodReporter, 15 May 2025
  • Porziņģis was limited in this series just to the same kinds of actions Kornet runs, but doing it with less force, coordination and touch.
    Jared Weiss, New York Times, 15 May 2025
Noun
  • Readers should not rely solely on the content of this article and are encouraged to seek professional advice tailored to their specific circumstances.
    Connie Etemadi, USA Today, 15 May 2025
  • For more personalized advice, consult with a personal trainer.
    Jennifer Steinhoff, Verywell Health, 14 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Hint.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hint. Accessed 21 May. 2025.

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