inkling

noun

ˈiŋ-kliŋ How to pronounce inkling (audio)
Definition of inklingnext
as in indication
a slight or indirect pointing to something (as a solution or explanation) did not give the slightest inkling that he was planning to quit

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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 inkling Cleveland star point guard James Harden was always expected to decline his player option, long before there was any public inkling that James would leave the Lakers in free agency. — Joe Vardon, New York Times, 23 July 2026 Realizing even an inkling of this Truth will lead to freer lives. — Suzanne Riedel, Christian Science Monitor, 22 July 2026 During his lifetime, Vincent van Gogh had no inkling that his work would become one of the world’s most famous paintings. — Nick Mafi, Architectural Digest, 17 July 2026 Advertisement The first inkling of recalibration came when tech bros suddenly started emphasizing the importance of taste. — Miranda Shanahan, Time, 10 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for inkling
Recent Examples of Synonyms for inkling
  1. indication
  2. clue
  3. hint
  4. cue
  5. suggestion
Noun
  • While investigations into their death continues, experts say there are indications that some of the influencers did have relationships with criminal organizations and were killed as acts of reprisal by rival factions.
    — Rey Rodríguez, CNN Money, 8 Aug. 2026
  • Gibbs had been participating in meetings at camp, but Thursday was his first appearance on the field, an indication the Lions and his agents were close to a deal.
    — Paula Pasche, Chicago Tribune, 6 Aug. 2026
Definition of indication
Noun
  • The latest figures will offer more clues on the inflation outlook and the Federal Reserve’s next moves on interest rates.
    — , CNBC, 10 Aug. 2026
  • In rocks from the interior of Rio Grande do Sul, 240-million-year-old fossils still hold clues about the origin of the animal groups that would transform terrestrial ecosystems forever.
    — The Conversation, Fortune, 10 Aug. 2026
Definition of clue
Noun
  • The models struck the same pose at the InStyle Awards in November 2021, reminding us that everything’s better with a hint of glimmer.
    — Grace Gavilanes, PEOPLE, 8 Aug. 2026
  • But that news won’t capture eyeballs, so the media tend to focus on any hint of bad news.
    — Bill Conerly, Forbes.com, 6 Aug. 2026
Definition of hint
Noun
  • In humans, the temporal lobe plays a role in forming memories, mastering language, responding to visual cues such as familiar faces, and processing emotions.
    — Jeffrey Kluger, Time, 10 Aug. 2026
  • Use that as your cue to open the lid, push the dough to the side of the bucket, and carefully lift out the paddles.
    — Karla Walsh, Better Homes & Gardens, 9 Aug. 2026
Definition of cue
Noun
  • Trump has said that using granite rather than concrete for the helipad was his suggestion.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 5 Aug. 2026
  • Merseyside sources have played down suggestions of a formal bid for the Canada international, but talks have taken place between the two clubs.
    — Chris Weatherspoon, New York Times, 5 Aug. 2026
Definition of suggestion

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inkling
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Cite this Entry

“Inkling.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/inkling. Accessed 12 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on inkling

Nglish: Translation of inkling for Spanish Speakers

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