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
Almost 25 years ago, when the Department of Homeland Security was first proposed, there were inklings, even among supporters, that things might someday come to this.
—
Ta-Nehisi Coates, Vanity Fair, 26 Jan. 2026
Bacha remembers getting her first inkling that victory might be possible during a canvassing event, at Grand Army Plaza, in January, 2025.
—Molly Fischer, New Yorker, 21 Jan. 2026
Then Kilmartin defuses any lingering judgmental inklings the audience may retain by warning that many of them will become single parents one day.
—John Roy, Vulture, 13 Jan. 2026
When asked whether Nurse had an inkling of the impending trade, his answer said it all.
—Tony Jones, New York Times, 8 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for inkling
Ta-Nehisi Coates, Vanity Fair, 26 Jan. 2026
Bacha remembers getting her first inkling that victory might be possible during a canvassing event, at Grand Army Plaza, in January, 2025.
—Molly Fischer, New Yorker, 21 Jan. 2026
Then Kilmartin defuses any lingering judgmental inklings the audience may retain by warning that many of them will become single parents one day.
—John Roy, Vulture, 13 Jan. 2026
When asked whether Nurse had an inkling of the impending trade, his answer said it all.
—Tony Jones, New York Times, 8 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for inkling
Recent Examples of Synonyms for inkling
Noun
-
The department, which said nonpayment rates can be an early indication that a school’s default rates is likely to increase, found 1,800 schools have nonrepayment rates at or above 25 percent.—
Lexi Lonas Cochran,
The Hill,
21 Feb. 2026
-
There's no indication that there's any sort of circumstance that would give the President the unilateral authority to order military action.—
Rebecca Schneid,
Time,
21 Feb. 2026
Noun
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Could her latest manicure be a clue about a new project?—
Kara Nesvig,
Allure,
17 Feb. 2026
-
Another chart provides a clue to the massive error in revenue projections by Newsom’s budget staff in 2022 which sparked the spending surge.—
Dan Walters,
Mercury News,
17 Feb. 2026
Noun
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Fans are buzzing about an Act III album release date, every potential hint will be fully examined—and that includes her nails!—
Kara Nesvig,
Allure,
17 Feb. 2026
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Their hardware not only adds a hint of shine to the monochromatic outfit but also keeps the outfit fresh and unexpected.—
Shelby Comroe,
InStyle,
17 Feb. 2026
Noun
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Take a cue from Selena Gomez and opt for a sugar-pink jelly mani of your own.—
Grace McCarty,
Glamour,
23 Feb. 2026
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Taking cues from kids as to their interests and passions is a great way to spark a love of learning.—
Elisabeth Sherman,
Parents,
23 Feb. 2026
Noun
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Now in its 31st year, Crisis Group has developed a sterling reputation for early warning, insightful analysis, practical suggestions and discreet diplomacy.—
John T. Shaw,
Chicago Tribune,
23 Feb. 2026
-
Have a suggestion for a future story?—
Matthew Kelly,
Kansas City Star,
23 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Inkling.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/inkling. Accessed 24 Feb. 2026.
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