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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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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
  • Its analysis found that 74% of those mentions were tied to real-world projects rather than coursework, an indication students are trying to demonstrate their applied experience.
    — Corynn Winston, CNBC, 25 Sep. 2026
  • As an indication of how frequently Griffin uses helicopters, Kasdin said Griffin used a rental helicopter from Watson Island 61 times last year.
    — Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 25 Sep. 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
  • The first and last clues were hints to her newest music-video stars, Colin Farrell (saccharide = his show Sugar) and Dakota Johnson (North or South Dakota).
    — Alejandra Gularte, Vulture, 28 Sep. 2026
  • The occasional hints on non-denim pieces come in the material’s colors for devoré tops, lace underpinnings and jacquard knits, which often reprise Dondup’s tribal logo.
    — Martino Carrera, Footwear News, 27 Sep. 2026
Definition of hint
Noun
  • The designer’s most theatrical designs take cues from the evocative Hawaii landscape — think cactus blooms, birds of paradise and tropical flowers.
    — Katie Abel, Footwear News, 28 Sep. 2026
  • That’s your cue to finish strong with a proper stain treatment.
    — Alexandra Emanuelli, Southern Living, 26 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

Browse Nearby Words

inking
inkling
inklings
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Cite this Entry

“Inkling.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/inkling. Accessed 30 Sep. 2026.

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