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
Beijing said there have been no trade talks — contrary to the hints and claims swirling stateside. Catherine Baab, Quartz, 24 Apr. 2025 The remarks come after hints that the administration was looking at ways to fire Powell. Medora Lee, USA Today, 23 Apr. 2025
Verb
Crucially, however, Wolff hinted the prospect of luring the Dutchman away from Red Bull remains a possibility. Dan Cancian, Forbes.com, 14 Apr. 2025 Stays with both brands will soon earn Marriott Bonvoy points, and the company has hinted that more outdoorsy properties are on the horizon. Mary Holland, Travel + Leisure, 13 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for hint
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hint
Noun
  • To quote another Kellogg’s shill, the early indications suggest that this should still be a Grrreat! fall for sports TV, although some vendors may be reduced to eating cereal for dinner.
    Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 25 Apr. 2025
  • As for timing, there is no clear indication of when Apple will unveil its AR glasses.
    Tim Bajarin, Forbes.com, 25 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • The coach listens not just for answers, but for glimmers—early signals of ideas that could be shaped into something bigger.
    Rhea Wessel, Forbes.com, 14 Apr. 2025
  • However, the glimmers of optimism surrounding the tariffs did not last.
    Ashleigh Fields, The Hill, 9 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • And while The First Shadow features a younger version of his Stranger Things character, Modine revealed that Alex Breaux, the actor who plays Dr. Brenner in the play, did not reach out to him for tips or guidance.
    Toria Sheffield, People.com, 26 Apr. 2025
  • Detectives urge anyone who may know the identity of the victim matching this description to contact the Nassau police homicide squad at (516) 573-7788 or submit a tip to Nassau County Crime Stoppers.
    Muri Assunção, New York Daily News, 26 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • My own curls arrived around age 13, another pubescent crisis to be dealt with along with the mustache that sprouted overnight and a sprinkling of T-zone blackheads.
    Sam Reed, Glamour, 11 Apr. 2025
  • The Premier League has had a decent sprinkling of Swedes — from Freddie Ljungberg to Zlatan Ibrahimovic — but none have matched Isak’s scoring output in England.
    Conor O'Neill, New York Times, 2 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • McFarland claimed 2,000 tickets were available for the festival, but shared permits indicated that only space for 250 people had been obtained.
    Greta Cross, USA Today, 25 Apr. 2025
  • Currently, there is no data indicating the containment progress of the fire and its cause remains undetermined.
    CA WILDFIRE BOT, Sacbee.com, 24 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Comment Tap a clue to see a headshot or get more details.
    Joe Reid, Vulture, 27 Apr. 2025
  • How papal conclave history provides clues to new candidates Mourners line up in St. Peter's Basilica to pay respects to Pope Francis: See photos Pope Francis was born to Italian immigrant parents.
    Saman Shafiq, USA Today, 26 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • The plush microfiber material is gentle on the skin, and the oversized bows add a cute touch to the whole experience.
    Jacquelyn Smith, Parents, 21 Apr. 2025
  • These Lands’ End bottoms have a stylish side stripe that adds a sporty, chic touch to the otherwise basic sweatpants.
    Melony Forcier, Travel + Leisure, 20 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • This article is for informational purposes only and does not substitute for professional medical advice.
    Rhiannon Frater, USA Today, 21 Apr. 2025
  • Check out our guide to the Best Hair Dryers for more advice.
    Nena Farrell, Wired News, 20 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Hint.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hint. Accessed 1 May. 2025.

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