indicator

noun

ˈin-də-ˌkā-tər How to pronounce indicator (audio)
Definition of indicatornext
as in needle
an arrow-shaped piece on a dial or scale for registering information you should refill when the indicator on the gas gauge shows that there's only a quarter of a tank left

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 indicator The administration’s top economic officials are now conceding that favorable aggregate indicators are no easy answer to public anxiety. — Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 3 Oct. 2026 The data has painted a picture of a low-hire, low-fire economy, with weekly jobless claims low and one indicator showing layoffs at their lowest rate in four years. — Jeff Cox, CNBC, 2 Oct. 2026 But, with careful planning, some telltale indicators of rainbows and other optical phenomena can be seen. — Phil Plait, Scientific American, 2 Oct. 2026 Those traits could be seen as either powerful assets or indicators of biased coverage. — Walter Podrazik, The Conversation, 1 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for indicator
Recent Examples of Synonyms for indicator
  1. needle
  2. index
Noun
  • An analyst at crypto research firm Artemis earlier this year published a detailed breakdown of how Hyperliquid Strategies has so far been able to thread this needle.
    — Camila Grigera Naón, Fortune, 5 Oct. 2026
  • The execution team worked for an hour to administer the lethal drugs, said Pike's defense lawyer Randy Spivey, who counted at least seven needles in her left arm.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 3 Oct. 2026
Definition of needle
Noun
  • The Dow fell 3% during the three-month period, but the tech-heavy Nasdaq and broad-market index each advanced by at least 2%.
    — Liz Napolitano, CNBC, 4 Oct. 2026
  • Some counties show the index for free but charge for downloadable or certified copies.
    — Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 3 Oct. 2026
Definition of index

Browse Nearby Words

indicative
indicator
indicators
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Cite this Entry

“Indicator.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/indicator. Accessed 9 Oct. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on indicator

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about indicator

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