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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
Operating only on the weekends (Thursday service starts May 22), The Counter transforms the casual bagel shop into an intimate 14-seat kaiseki-style dinner venue, offering a traditional Japanese tasting experience highlighting hyper-seasonal ingredients. Sara Rosenthal, Denver Post, 6 May 2025 Galego’s sensuous, intimate paintings speak loudly as the artist herself engages viewers with a soft, ethereal demeanor, underscoring the dreamy otherworldliness of her work. Natasha Gural, Forbes.com, 26 Apr. 2025
Noun
Bing Guan | Bloomberg | Getty Images Nike has teamed up with Kim Kardashian’s intimates brand Skims to launch a new line of activewear as the legacy sneaker giant looks to win over more women and better compete with Lululemon, Alo Yoga and Vuori, the companies announced Tuesday. Gabrielle Fonrouge, CNBC, 18 Feb. 2025 Employees and intimates wrote tell-all books, stole memorabilia and blackmailed her. Paul Liberatore, Mercury News, 11 Apr. 2025
Verb
From women sharing their hair removal routines, to intimate feelings about their appearance and tips on hormone-balancing diets, how the syndrome impacts the Black community has been going viral. India Espy-Jones, Essence, 7 Apr. 2025 In My Funny Valentine and Macau Redux, Ho and Taheri are going to tackle comedy, which Taheri is not intimated by. Karen Chu, The Hollywood Reporter, 16 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for intimate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for intimate
Adjective
  • However, research into the health benefits of the tart – also known as the sour, dwarf and, in the US, the Montmorency – cherry has produced some interesting results that warrant a closer look.
    Bronwyn Thompson, New Atlas, 11 May 2025
  • This time, the Knicks couldn’t get any closer, as the Celtics won 115-93 to cut their series deficit to two games to one.
    Tim Casey, Forbes.com, 11 May 2025
Adjective
  • But in a possible attempt to discredit Pryor, her name and some details of her confidential complaint, available only to the mayor, commissioners and senior city employees, have been circulated publicly.
    Steve Bousquet, Sun Sentinel, 10 May 2025
  • The organizations kept talking, though, and agreed to settle for a confidential sum, averting a jury trial.
    Kevin Williams, Smithsonian Magazine, 9 May 2025
Noun
  • Next week, Kerry Morgan, a former friend of Cassie Ventura, is expected to testify in the trial.
    Alisha Ebrahimji, CNN Money, 17 May 2025
  • When playing with friends or business associates, which is mostly the way the president plays the game, all sorts of favor-trading can prevail.
    Matthew Purdy, New York Times, 17 May 2025
Verb
  • Discoveries indicate that coffee has significant antimicrobial properties that are effective against a range of bacterial, fungal, and viral pathogens in agriculture.
    Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 18 May 2025
  • If most discussions are dominated by a few voices, or if disagreement is rare, that may indicate low psychological safety—regardless of what survey responses say.
    Cynthia Pong, Forbes.com, 18 May 2025
Adjective
  • Some of this uncertainty is coming from familiar sources, and some from new developments.
    Amanda Tickel, Forbes.com, 19 May 2025
  • With three birdies also added on the card, Scheffler walked into the clubhouse with a familiar position on the leaderboard at a major.
    Scott Thompson, FOXNews.com, 18 May 2025
Adjective
  • The city’s unlawful camping ordinance prohibits camping, occupying camp facilities or using camp paraphernalia on public or private property.
    Mathew Miranda, Sacbee.com, 13 May 2025
  • Domin encouraged residents to contact school district officials with ideas to work on private partnerships.
    Mary Divine, Twin Cities, 13 May 2025
Noun
  • With our help, the company implemented a formal buddy program.
    Matthew Reeves, Forbes.com, 7 May 2025
  • As the weeks go by and changes don’t appear to be happening, Fielder and his actors add some domestic tension to the mix, too, with fake-Bogdan screaming to fake-Monique about microprocessors and ditching her to see The Hangover Part II with his buddies.
    Scott Tobias, Vulture, 5 May 2025
Verb
  • Pereira was seemingly addressing frustration, as the post implied he felt disrespected by not getting placement in the main event for UFC 317 this summer.
    Brian Mazique, Forbes.com, 10 May 2025
  • Jokic wasn’t the conniving villain implied by his pregame wardrobe.
    Bennett Durando, Denver Post, 10 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Intimate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/intimate. Accessed 22 May. 2025.

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