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intimate

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noun

intimate

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verb

Synonym Chooser

How is the word intimate distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of intimate are hint, imply, insinuate, and suggest. While all these words mean "to convey an idea indirectly," intimate stresses delicacy of suggestion without connoting any lack of candor.

intimates that there is more to the situation than meets the eye

In what contexts can hint take the place of intimate?

The meanings of hint and intimate largely overlap; however, hint implies the use of slight or remote suggestion with a minimum of overt statement.

hinted that she might get the job

How are the words imply and suggest related as synonyms of intimate?

Imply is close to suggest but may indicate a more definite or logical relation of the unexpressed idea to the expressed.

measures implying that bankruptcy was imminent

When would insinuate be a good substitute for intimate?

The words insinuate and intimate can be used in similar contexts, but insinuate applies to the conveying of a usually unpleasant idea in a sly underhanded manner.

insinuated that there were shady dealings

When could suggest be used to replace intimate?

The synonyms suggest and intimate are sometimes interchangeable, but suggest may stress putting into the mind by association of ideas, awakening of a desire, or initiating a train of thought.

a film title that suggests its subject matter

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 intimate
Adjective
The ability to guide people in pregnancy, childbirth and beyond is, for me, the most intimate and fulfilling part of medicine. Tami S. Rowen, The Conversation, 3 Oct. 2025 Jana Kramer is sharing how her husband handles her intimate scenes as an actress. Lori A Bashian , Larry Fink, FOXNews.com, 2 Oct. 2025
Noun
Free People is our go-to for casually cool, bohemian style—a vibe that extends to its collection of intimates. Malia Griggs, Glamour, 4 Sep. 2025 Rather than embellishing her $68 bloomers with the ruffles and frills of 19th-century French intimates, Hourston leans into casual prints and patterns to distinguish her bloomers. Tiana Randall, Forbes.com, 31 Aug. 2025
Verb
Poptimism intimated that critics should not just take pop music seriously but celebrate it—or else. Kelefa Sanneh, New Yorker, 25 Aug. 2025 Having intimated a willingness to pay £120m ($162m) in July, the Reds then officially bid £110m ($148m) at the beginning of August. Harry De Cosemo, Forbes.com, 20 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for intimate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for intimate
Adjective
  • Bishnoi denies involvement in Moosewala’s murder, but in an explosive interview from behind bars, accused his close aide of orchestrating it.
    Rhea Mogul, CNN Money, 7 Oct. 2025
  • The departure of Busquets and Alba means Messi will lose two of his most talented teammates and closest friends.
    Michelle Kaufman, Miami Herald, 7 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Any player investigated for breaching the sport’s anti-doping or anti-corruption rules will receive financial assistance, confidential third-party counseling and additional free legal support.
    Charlie Eccleshare, New York Times, 9 Oct. 2025
  • Giuliani recently reached a confidential settlement with Dominion.
    NPR Washington Desk, NPR, 9 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Dress them up or down for work meetings, a movie night at home, or brunch with friends.
    Laura Lu, Parents, 8 Oct. 2025
  • The unique setting called for a bit of creative design, so the couple tapped longtime friend Caroline Rolader of Reu Architects.
    Cameron Beall, Southern Living, 8 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Other bacteria are associated with the breakdown of insect tissues, indicating these were also a part of his diet.
    Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 9 Oct. 2025
  • But reports indicate the state could help cover maintenance costs or facilitate a sale.
    Jordan Blum, Fortune, 9 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • The raid, Jones says, also exposed familiar fault lines in labor and manufacturing.
    IEEE Spectrum, IEEE Spectrum, 9 Oct. 2025
  • Stop us if any of this sounds familiar.
    Dan Wiederer, New York Times, 9 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • The house sits on the edge of the Baka neighborhood, known for its leafy streets, upscale residences and lush, private gardens.
    Romina Ruiz-Goiriena, USA Today, 4 Oct. 2025
  • The development will include private parking for residents of the building along with 94 public parking spaces.
    Bridget Fogarty, jsonline.com, 3 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Then a few of my buddies wear 91.
    Scott Powers, New York Times, 7 Oct. 2025
  • That disconnect matters because the teddy bear has become more than a bedtime buddy.
    Marisa McMillan, Outside, 7 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • The most significant jump in imports into Italy was from China, up 18 percent in the period, implying that many fast fashion players are gaining Italians over.
    Martino Carrera, Footwear News, 7 Oct. 2025
  • After praising the male LGBTQIA+ members of their friendship circle, Consuelos then implied a wilder theory about the heterosexual female friends in Ripa's life.
    Joey Nolfi, Entertainment Weekly, 7 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Intimate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/intimate. Accessed 10 Oct. 2025.

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