Synonyms of imply

imply

verb

im-ˈplī 

as in to indicate

to convey an idea indirectly

they may have implied that they'd help, but they didn't actually say so

Synonyms & Similar Words

• indicate
• suggest
• hint
• allude
• infer
• refer
• signify
• mention
• intimate
• insinuate
• point
• signal
• signalize
• smell (of)
• advert
• smack (of)

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• declare
• announce
• proclaim
• explain
• describe
• elucidate
• spell out
• delineate

Synonym Chooser

How is the word imply distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of imply are hint, insinuate, intimate, and suggest. While all these words mean "to convey an idea indirectly," 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 it sensible to use hint instead of imply?

The words hint and imply are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, hint implies the use of slight or remote suggestion with a minimum of overt statement.

hinted that she might get the job

When can insinuate be used instead of imply?

The synonyms insinuate and imply are sometimes interchangeable, but insinuate applies to the conveying of a usually unpleasant idea in a sly underhanded manner.

insinuated that there were shady dealings

When could intimate be used to replace imply?

Although the words intimate and imply have much in common, intimate stresses delicacy of suggestion without connoting any lack of candor.

intimates that there is more to the situation than meets the eye

Where would suggest be a reasonable alternative to imply?

While in some cases nearly identical to imply, 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

Recent Examples of imply

The firm’s forecast implies about 17% upside from Thursday’s $197.41 close. —Brian Evans, CNBC, 25 Apr. 2025

The letter implies that the Shakespeares were holding onto his trust past their agreement, and asked that Mrs Shakespeare handle the payment of her and her husband's debts to Butts. —Ross Rosenfeld, MSNBC Newsweek, 23 Apr. 2025

According to Ars Technica, those documents also imply the end of funding for all telescopes besides the JWST and Hubble — like the in-development Nancy Grace Roman Telescope, which scientists are super excited about. —Monisha Ravisetti, Space.com, 23 Apr. 2025

The Trump administration contends Maine is violating federal antidiscrimination laws as well as protections implied by the U.S. Constitution. —Howard Blume, Los Angeles Times, 23 Apr. 2025