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 Once the sun had set over I-95, any inkling of tension had dissipated. — Maya Georgi, Rolling Stone, 20 Sep. 2026 As anyone with an inkling of pop culture may know, the fashionista shares Vivian, 13, and Benjamin, 16, with ex Tom Brady. — Madeleine Marr, Miami Herald, 11 Sep. 2026 When was the first inkling that you could get drafted and could compete in the NHL? — Nicole Fell, HollywoodReporter, 10 Sep. 2026 By the time Wade was making his decision, league sources said, there was an inkling that the Sixers’ pursuit of Brown had become serious enough that those involved believed there was a legitimate chance a deal could happen. — Tony Jones, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for inkling
Recent Examples of Synonyms for inkling
  1. indication
  2. clue
  3. hint
  4. cue
  5. suggestion
Noun
  • The prevalence of money laundering schemes is an indication to Hall that more regulations are needed to address retail theft.
    — Sasha Rogelberg, Fortune, 23 Oct. 2026
  • But there are few indications that either side can achieve such an outcome.
    — Tatiana Mitrova, Foreign Affairs, 23 Oct. 2026
Definition of indication
Noun
  • But important clues about how the sickness operates are emerging from the latest studies of bacterial DNA in ancient bones and teeth.
    — Faye Flam, Scientific American, 27 Oct. 2026
  • While the central bank is expected to keep rates unchanged, traders will look for clues on whether another rate hike will take place before year-end.
    — Justina Lee,Fred Imbert, CNBC, 26 Oct. 2026
Definition of clue
Noun
  • The two remain royals, but growing speculation hints that once Prince William ascends the throne, that might change.
    — Lizzie Lanuza, StyleCaster, 24 Oct. 2026
  • Yet other separatist movements in Canada appear to have taken the hint.
    — Max Saltman, CNN Money, 24 Oct. 2026
Definition of hint
Noun
  • For people who expect visible enthusiasm, quick verbal responses, eye contact or other signs of engagement, the absence of those cues might lead them to suspect something is wrong — but that’s not always the case.
    — CNN Money, CNN Money, 24 Oct. 2026
  • Taking their cue from Spaniards, protesters in Lisbon who have been gathering to demand affordable housing are expected to march across the city on Saturday.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 24 Oct. 2026
Definition of cue
Noun
  • Maxey, a first-time All-Star starter last season, had a suggestion to fix the rebounding woes.
    — Dan Gelston, Los Angeles Times, 26 Oct. 2026
  • Vanity Fair met up with the mayoral candidate at The Trails café in Griffith Park (her suggestion), not far from her home in Silver Lake, to learn more.
    — Maxwell Adler, Vanity Fair, 26 Oct. 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 27 Oct. 2026.

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