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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 The band might seriously hold an inkling to the cure to the male loneliness crisis. — Marshall Shaffer, IndieWire, 5 Sep. 2026 Throughout this episode, there are inklings that the Keenes may still be themselves, deep down. — Noel Murray, Vulture, 4 Sep. 2026 The first inklings of this emerge when camp director Beth (Janeane Garofalo) meets astrophysicist Professor Henry Newman (David Hyde Pierce), who is vacationing in a cabin near the camp. — Chelsea Gohd, Space.com, 20 Aug. 2026 Inserting the insertor requires foreconceit, an inkling of how a sentence or a plot is going to develop. — Literary Hub, 18 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for inkling
Recent Examples of Synonyms for inkling
  1. indication
  2. clue
  3. hint
  4. cue
  5. suggestion
Noun
  • There’s no indication that the five most recent shootings, including two in the Cape Town area and one south of the city of Durban, are linked.
    — Nimi Princewill, CNN Money, 2 Oct. 2026
  • There is no indication when the center will announce this year's honorees.
    — Steven Portnoy, ABC News, 2 Oct. 2026
Definition of indication
Noun
  • For a category definitions refresher, sift through our clue glossary.
    — Vulture, Vulture, 29 Sep. 2026
  • Now researchers analyzing data from those collisions have seen an unexpected signal that offers new clues about how the cosmic transition happened eons ago.
    — Clara Moskowitz, Scientific American, 28 Sep. 2026
Definition of clue
Noun
  • Though some concept drawings were released by the company shortly after the project began in 2008, more recent renditions have been little more than hints showing the craft as an outline in the haze, with only the nose and cockpit showing clearly.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 4 Oct. 2026
  • Though Kid Rock has not yet discussed his new album — or his relationship with Allen — beyond a brief Instagram post, past comments might offer a hint into his decision to include someone who’s been all but banished from the country music industry.
    — Jonathan Bernstein, Rolling Stone, 2 Oct. 2026
Definition of hint
Noun
  • But the late September and early October style cues have certainly embraced greens, chocolate browns and more.
    — Julia Teti, Footwear News, 29 Sep. 2026
  • Anticipation of the audience is key, and being able to lean into the cues ensures that the message isn’t missed.
    — Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 29 Sep. 2026
Definition of cue
Noun
  • Adapted from a story by Henry Bates, the drama is an intriguing science fantasy, made believable by touches of genuine humor and the faint suggestion of a romance between a pretty American widow and a mysterious visitor from another planet.
    — THR Staff, HollywoodReporter, 28 Sep. 2026
  • The statement pushed back on the suggestion that those involved in the incident faced few consequences at the time, revealing that the university’s Title IX proceedings resulted in a range of sanctions, including expulsions and suspensions.
    — Marlene Lenthang, NBC news, 28 Sep. 2026
Definition of suggestion

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inkling
inklings
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Cite this Entry

“Inkling.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/inkling. Accessed 6 Oct. 2026.

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