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 Jimmy Kimmel's hunch helps with final question The last question posed the biggest challenge for Ding, but thankfully Kimmel had an inkling about turkeys that hadn’t received presidential pardons. — Erin Jensen, USA Today, 30 July 2026 Waterfowl biologists involved in the restoration efforts probably had little inkling of the adaptability of Canada geese to urban areas. — Mark Vrtiska, The Conversation, 30 July 2026 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 See All Example Sentences for inkling
Recent Examples of Synonyms for inkling
  1. indication
  2. clue
  3. hint
  4. cue
  5. suggestion
Noun
  • But if this week is any indication, Wall Street may finally be coming back around to Benioff's side.
    — Jordan Novet, CNBC, 28 Aug. 2026
  • If the season-two premiere is any indication, the series is primed to capitalize on that potential this year.
    — Ben Rosenstock, Vulture, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of indication
Noun
  • These folks are good-natured and well-intentioned, but don’t seem to have a clue as to how their conduct left us exhausted and feeling ignored.
    — Eric Thomas, Sun Sentinel, 31 Aug. 2026
  • Observing the bill and throat can also provide a clue to the bird’s species.
    — Blythe Copeland, Martha Stewart, 31 Aug. 2026
Definition of clue
Noun
  • The cuisine was also noteworthy, a generous choice of cocktails, wines, and cuisine with hints of contemporary English inspiration, while avoiding being British stodgy.
    — Michael Verdon, Robb Report, 28 Aug. 2026
  • Warsh is unlikely to reveal his approach before the task forces report but at Jackson Hole the whole world will be looking for hints regarding his plans to reshape the Fed.
    — Paul Wachtel, The Conversation, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of hint
Noun
  • People may also often rely on the most available information or follow potentially misleading cues like how compelling someone sounds, their appearance or existing beliefs.
    — John C. Besley, The Conversation, 31 Aug. 2026
  • For thousands of years, a seller at a market might have used visual and social cues — what a customer was wearing, what the seller knew about their family — to quote a price.
    — Audrey McGlinchy, Los Angeles Times, 31 Aug. 2026
Definition of cue
Noun
  • Gates brushed aside the idea that his suggestions might draw pushback from the accelerationist voices in the tech industry.
    — Reed Albergotti, semafor.com, 26 Aug. 2026
  • Mixed response Gates made the same suggestion nearly a decade ago and was subject to robust criticism at the time.
    — Eleanor Pringle, Fortune, 26 Aug. 2026
Definition of suggestion

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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 2 Sep. 2026.

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