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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

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 imply Baum is intrigued by the smaller rod number, pointing out that different numbers can imply different uses for the structure. Veronique Greenwood, Quanta Magazine, 8 Sep. 2025 Cyrus was quick to defend herself, implying her words had been manipulated by the Times. Kate Hogan, PEOPLE, 7 Sep. 2025 And probably should go home this episode instead of the person the Project Runway editors are heavily implying to be the next contestant out. Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 5 Sep. 2025 Reviews explain what the math model implies for session feel—cadence, feature frequency ranges, base‑game steadiness—without promising outcomes. Consistency. Fortune Games, Mercury News, 5 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for imply
Recent Examples of Synonyms for imply
Verb
  • Containment indicates what percentage of the fire perimeter has been surrounded by a control line.
    CA WILDFIRE BOT, Sacbee.com, 5 Sep. 2025
  • Similarly, some studies indicate heat can boost flexibility and range of motion during stretching.
    Lauren Leffer, Popular Science, 4 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Mock suggests using gentle cleaning tools to avoid scratching the flooring.
    Daley Quinn, Southern Living, 7 Sep. 2025
  • TikTok commenters suggest sealing the finished piece with UV resin to prevent cracks over time, especially if the mirror will be exposed to sunlight.
    Elizabeth Fogarty, Better Homes & Gardens, 7 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Also, with age comes experience, Gellar adds, hinting that her acting is better than ever.
    Anna Kaufman, USA Today, 4 Sep. 2025
  • Looking at Elliott’s post-2024 drives, six-month outcomes have generally been favorable—hinting PEP could see a similar pattern.
    Trefis Team, Forbes.com, 3 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Imply.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/imply. Accessed 11 Sep. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on imply

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