intimate 1 of 3

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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
Two stages, the mainstage sitting in the City Hall parking lot and a more intimate setting across the street inside the historic Aztec Theater, will hold several live bands throughout the day. Taylor O’Connor, Kansas City Star, 25 June 2025 The event was large enough to feel frenetic but small enough to be intimate, like a private house party. Kieran Press-Reynolds, Pitchfork, 25 June 2025
Noun
In that sense, Janine and Lydia are intimates, too. Amanda Whiting, Vulture, 29 Apr. 2025 Long before the advent of television, films, or the Internet, radio made the remote immediate and the powerful intimate. Claire Hoffman, Rolling Stone, 20 Apr. 2025
Verb
The three wrap up by discussing whether the settlement will be remembered as a turning point in American sports business, as Alabama AD Greg Byrne recently intimated—or whether more chaos awaits. Jacob Feldman, Sportico.com, 10 June 2025 Brown intimated as much prior to Sunday’s game, acknowledging the myriad health issues that have plagued Melton this season — first a back problem that started in spring training and then a groin issue that affected him in April. Chandler Rome, New York Times, 2 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for intimate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for intimate
Adjective
  • The championship is Oklahoma City’s first since relocating from Seattle in 2008; for the Pacers, close wasn’t good enough for their second straight season with a strong playoff run before falling to the eventual NBA champs.
    USA TODAY, USA Today, 28 June 2025
  • Some of my friends sent them a gift, knowing why they were not invited but three of my close friends didn’t send anything (even a card would have been thoughtful).
    R. Eric Thomas, Chicago Tribune, 28 June 2025
Adjective
  • Her usual duties included accessing confidential deputy records and internal affairs investigations.
    James Queally, Los Angeles Times, 26 June 2025
  • The city argued the policy was confidential, and would interfere with the department’s ability to fight crime.
    Harrison Mantas, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 26 June 2025
Noun
  • Your success in dealing with friends and groups today could lead to future travel opportunities or a chance to deal with matters favorably, especially legal matters.
    Georgia Nicols, Denver Post, 22 June 2025
  • Cassie's friend agreed with Diddy's defense lawyer that the clothing lines had not succeeded because the two had been competing with Rihanna and Beyoncé.
    Lauryn Overhultz , Janelle Ash, FOXNews.com, 22 June 2025
Verb
  • The high court had unanimously indicated in a prior case that potential deportees must be given due process protections.
    Devin Dwyer, ABC News, 23 June 2025
  • The yacht is suited to both inshore and offshore jaunts, with preliminary testing indicating impressive velocity, balance, and control in all conditions.
    Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 23 June 2025
Adjective
  • No new president, whether a Democrat, a more traditional Republican, or a Trump disciple, will have the option of returning to the familiar approaches of the post–Cold War era.
    REBECCA LISSNER, Foreign Affairs, 24 June 2025
  • This incremental model allows firms to evolve while maintaining familiar strategies.
    Seth Price, Forbes.com, 24 June 2025
Adjective
  • The private orbital mission will bring billionaire Jared Isaacman to space for a second time after 2021′s Inspiration4 mission.
    Richard Tribou, The Orlando Sentinel, 18 June 2025
  • And while transgender adults now have more autonomy to make private decisions for themselves, the Skrmetti decision will no doubt encourage some states to try to ban gender-affirming care for anyone altogether.
    Martin Padgett, Time, 18 June 2025
Noun
  • The clip, which Ring shared with Newsweek, captures a typical afternoon for Mako, who can be seen on the footage heading over to his buddy Leonard's house.
    Jack Beresford, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 June 2025
  • Should Congress enact an antitrust exemption for college sports, perhaps, or create a special class of non-employment for student-athletes to ensure they can be exploited in perpetuity by sleazy college officials in polyester slacks and their booster buddies?
    Guy Lawson, Rolling Stone, 22 June 2025
Verb
  • Billionaire hedge-fund manager Bill Ackman offered to bankroll someone, anyone, who would run against Mamdani, implying his mayoralty would spur a flight with the ultrarich.
    Preston Fore, Fortune, 27 June 2025
  • An old friend of Donna’s who, it’s implied, became more than friends after her husband left.
    Whitney Friedlander, Vulture, 27 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Intimate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/intimate. Accessed 3 Jul. 2025.

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