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
According to Weather Underground, the first hints will happen hours ahead of Sunday’s noon parade. Howard Cohen, Miami Herald, 21 June 2025 But his late brace at Bristol City — which earned a 2-1 win in October 2021 — helped provide the first hint that Cooper’s side might be capable of something special. Paul Taylor, New York Times, 20 June 2025
Verb
On Friday, Trump hinted a new Fed chair could be coming sooner rather than later. Bryan Mena, CNN Money, 20 June 2025 One nugget in Nissan's announcement hints that a cheaper version is on the way. Emily Forlini, PC Magazine, 20 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for hint
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hint
Noun
  • Mediation began May 19 and has dragged on for more than a month with little indication of tangible progress.
    Mark Zeigler, San Diego Union-Tribune, 23 June 2025
  • Johnson County is excited for its first Swig location — if the long drive-thru lines are any indication.
    Jenna Thompson, Kansas City Star, 23 June 2025
Noun
  • Telehealth offers a glimmer of a solution, but as everyone who’s tried to show off a concerning mole to a doctor via a smartphone camera knows: Video technology can only get you so far.
    Christopher Null, Wired News, 19 June 2025
  • For travelers, Christchurch Airport offers a glimmer of hope.
    Christopher Elliott, Forbes.com, 14 June 2025
Noun
  • Moving further north Florida is one of the only places the subtropical fruit grows in the United States and groves cover more than 1000 acres across the state, most of them in the southern tip of the state.
    Ashley Miznazi, Miami Herald, 26 June 2025
  • For a luxury twist, its Southern Sweets and Good Day Blunts come hand-rolled with glass tips.
    Javier Hasse, Forbes.com, 26 June 2025
Noun
  • Each piece is dressed with a sprinkling of ancho chili flakes, which add a subtle heat that compliments the coffee’s robustness.
    Aly Walansky, Forbes.com, 15 June 2025
  • Firefighters have not yet contained some of the strongest blazes, although officials hoped that a sprinkling of rain on Thursday would aid their emergency efforts, the Times reports.
    Eli Wizevich, Smithsonian Magazine, 27 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • The document also indicated that more than 6,400 U.S. citizens living in Israel had submitted documentation asking for information regarding U.S.-charted evacuation flights.
    Adam Sabes , Julia Bonavita, FOXNews.com, 23 June 2025
  • The fact that oil prices fell sharply after the news broke also indicates that traders viewed the immediate threat of a widening war as diminished.
    Robert Rapier, Forbes.com, 23 June 2025
Noun
  • Sports Edition Coach — a spot to gather clues and discuss (and share) scores.
    Mark Cooper, New York Times, 28 June 2025
  • The second half of the season should provide clues as to which members of the core will be keepers for when the rebuild can turn the corner.
    Paul Sullivan, Chicago Tribune, 27 June 2025
Noun
  • But this was the Eighties, when Springsteen had the golden touch.
    Rob Sheffield, Rolling Stone, 20 June 2025
  • The designer started the year with a personal touch, presenting his fall 2025 collection at his Paris showroom.
    Samantha Conti, Footwear News, 20 June 2025
Noun
  • Individuals should seek the advice of their own tax advisor for specific information regarding tax consequences of investments.
    Andrew Rosen, Forbes.com, 19 June 2025
  • Winter doesn’t deny that some of the advice is truthful — falling asleep in a colder, darker room, for example, or engaging in a relaxing activity like reading before bed.
    Elise Devlin, New York Times, 19 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Hint.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hint. Accessed 30 Jun. 2025.

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