as in indications
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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Recent Examples of inklings
Although theorists already had inklings that a magnetar’s tempestuous birth might help explain superluminous supernovae, clinching the case proved difficult.
—
Joseph Howlett, Scientific American, 11 Mar. 2026
As inklings of Hudson Williams‘ potential Saturday Night Live cameo percolated in the days leading up to his Heated Rivalry co-star Connor Storrie‘s debut hosting gig, the Canadian actor glided onto Studio 8H ice during a sketch.
—Natalie Oganesyan, Deadline, 28 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
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
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
However, researchers had inklings that there were other mechanisms to tone down immune responses, ones outside the thymus.
—Beth Mole, ArsTechnica, 6 Oct. 2025
Labor Day is the unofficial wave-off to summer—though not the heat—as kids return back to school, beach days wind down, and the first inklings of a fall breeze begin to blow through the South.
—Abigail Wilt, Southern Living, 25 Aug. 2025
On set, Hoberg felt the ongoing inklings of a hit; from Brown and Fogelman’s leadership by example, to Brown and James Marsden beginning to film scenes together, to seeing the performance that would mint Nicholson a double nominee this year.
—Proma Khosla, IndieWire, 6 Aug. 2025
Joseph Howlett, Scientific American, 11 Mar. 2026
As inklings of Hudson Williams‘ potential Saturday Night Live cameo percolated in the days leading up to his Heated Rivalry co-star Connor Storrie‘s debut hosting gig, the Canadian actor glided onto Studio 8H ice during a sketch.
—Natalie Oganesyan, Deadline, 28 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
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
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
However, researchers had inklings that there were other mechanisms to tone down immune responses, ones outside the thymus.
—Beth Mole, ArsTechnica, 6 Oct. 2025
Labor Day is the unofficial wave-off to summer—though not the heat—as kids return back to school, beach days wind down, and the first inklings of a fall breeze begin to blow through the South.
—Abigail Wilt, Southern Living, 25 Aug. 2025
On set, Hoberg felt the ongoing inklings of a hit; from Brown and Fogelman’s leadership by example, to Brown and James Marsden beginning to film scenes together, to seeing the performance that would mint Nicholson a double nominee this year.
—Proma Khosla, IndieWire, 6 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for inklings
Noun
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For some indications, expert groups now recommend red-light regimens.—
Lynne Peeples,
Scientific American,
26 Mar. 2026
-
On Tuesday, there were some indications from Washington on a possible de-escalation in the Mideast conflict.—
Dylan Butts,
CNBC,
25 Mar. 2026
Noun
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Researchers are also exploring Greenland shark genetics for clues about aging.—
Samantha Agate,
Miami Herald,
31 Mar. 2026
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Market reactions could become more sensitive to incoming data due to fewer clues about the Fed’s intentions.—
Paul Wachtel,
The Conversation,
31 Mar. 2026
Noun
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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
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Researchers exploring Greenland shark genetics have found hints of enhanced DNA repair and cellular maintenance that could slow aging at a fundamental level.—
Samantha Agate,
Charlotte Observer,
31 Mar. 2026
Noun
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Part of that navigation is driven by chemical cues, such as concentrations of the female hormone progesterone, but gravity seems to play a significant role too, McPherson said.—
Tereza Pultarova,
Space.com,
27 Mar. 2026
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Visual phonics, which includes hand cues and symbols that represent sounds such as vowels or consonants, can be used as literacy support.—
Lina Ruiz,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
26 Mar. 2026
Noun
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Following someone’s suggestions delivers you to adventure's door under the Libra full moon.—
USA TODAY,
USA Today,
1 Apr. 2026
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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
Noun
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American law governs the ownership of ideas with considerable precision.—
Ugo Troiano,
Oc Register,
26 Mar. 2026
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In Wuthering Heights, Oliver played Isabella Linton, an initially naïve woman infatuated with ideas of romance whose are opened to the reality around her.—
Borys Kit,
HollywoodReporter,
26 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Inklings.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/inklings. Accessed 2 Apr. 2026.
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