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 term seems to imply a mastery of all the resources of a form, displayed in a surprising context without self-conscious artfulness. — Adam Gopnik, New Yorker, 7 Sep. 2026

But another frontier remains to be realized, one in which MU ascends from this fine plateau to make good on the sort of top-tier promise implied by the school’s now-enormous commitment to football. — Kansas City Star, 4 Sep. 2026

Piker implied that Jews' support for Israel put them at risk of violence. — Sam Gringlas, NPR, 4 Sep. 2026

The Honduran man, according to the criminal complaint filed in federal court, called the agent a slur describing a female dog and referenced the midterm elections, implying federal agents could be charged for crimes if Republicans lost power. — Los Angeles Times, 3 Sep. 2026