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
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Recent Examples of inkling
The first inkling of the government questioning the DHS account came from the US Department of Justice.
—
Emma Tucker, CNN Money, 15 Feb. 2026
Earlier in the week while discussing the field for the 3-point shooting contest at the NBA’s 2026 All-Star festivities in Los Angeles, Kon Knueppel must’ve had an inkling.
—Roderick Boone, Charlotte Observer, 15 Feb. 2026
Even before the photo, members had inklings their search histories were being monitored by the DOJ, which on Monday began allowing lawmakers to review unredacted versions of the files.
—Rebecca Beitsch, The Hill, 12 Feb. 2026
This inkling emerged when Vickers was a PhD student learning from some of the greatest cognitive scientists of all time, including Anne Treisman and Daniel Kahneman.
—Big Think, 29 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for inkling
Emma Tucker, CNN Money, 15 Feb. 2026
Earlier in the week while discussing the field for the 3-point shooting contest at the NBA’s 2026 All-Star festivities in Los Angeles, Kon Knueppel must’ve had an inkling.
—Roderick Boone, Charlotte Observer, 15 Feb. 2026
Even before the photo, members had inklings their search histories were being monitored by the DOJ, which on Monday began allowing lawmakers to review unredacted versions of the files.
—Rebecca Beitsch, The Hill, 12 Feb. 2026
This inkling emerged when Vickers was a PhD student learning from some of the greatest cognitive scientists of all time, including Anne Treisman and Daniel Kahneman.
—Big Think, 29 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for inkling
Recent Examples of Synonyms for inkling
Noun
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Yet in the 12 games since his return, despite initial rustiness, Flagg has enhanced his diverse talents, a clear indication Kidd’s early-season decision to play him at point guard was a beneficial litmus test.—
Brad Townsend,
Dallas Morning News,
28 Mar. 2026
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Authorities noted there was no indication of alcohol use, but said the arrest was based on signs of other possible impairment.—
Rena Rowe,
The Washington Examiner,
28 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Told them my story — that I had been left on a street in 1974 and adopted to America, and now, decades later, had come back searching for any clue about my birth family.—
Théoden Janes,
Charlotte Observer,
1 Apr. 2026
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Researchers are also exploring Greenland shark genetics for clues about aging.—
Samantha Agate,
Miami Herald,
31 Mar. 2026
Noun
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The air smells damp and jungly (in the best possible way) and is sweetened with a hint of frangipani.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
31 Mar. 2026
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Researchers are now exploring Greenland shark genetics for clues about aging, finding hints of enhanced DNA repair and cellular maintenance that could slow aging at a fundamental level.—
Samantha Agate,
Kansas City Star,
31 Mar. 2026
Noun
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Urban Seagulls Are Especially Good at This Tactic Comparative studies suggest urban gulls are particularly adept at reading human cues, though rural gulls also respond to human gaze and food handling.—
Samantha Agate,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
30 Mar. 2026
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Comparative studies suggest that urban gulls are particularly skilled at using these cues, though rural gulls also respond to human gaze and handling.—
Samantha Agate,
Charlotte Observer,
30 Mar. 2026
Noun
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But the open kitchen concept, with local produce and jars of pickles on display for guests to touch, taste, and smell, makes going off-menu just as enticing—just ask the chef for suggestions.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
31 Mar. 2026
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Have a suggestion for a future story?—
Judy L. Thomas,
Kansas City Star,
31 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Inkling.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/inkling. Accessed 4 Apr. 2026.
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