1
as in to indicate
to convey an idea indirectly this letter suggests that there's more going on than she's telling us

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

2
as in to recommend
to put (something) forward as one's choice for a wise or proper course of action I suggested that they talk to a therapist about their marital problems

Synonyms & Similar Words

3

Synonym Chooser

How is the word suggest distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of suggest are hint, imply, insinuate, and intimate. While all these words mean "to convey an idea indirectly," 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

In what contexts can hint take the place of suggest?

The meanings of hint and suggest 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 do imply and suggest relate to one another?

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

Where would insinuate be a reasonable alternative to suggest?

While in some cases nearly identical to suggest, insinuate applies to the conveying of a usually unpleasant idea in a sly underhanded manner.

insinuated that there were shady dealings

When might intimate be a better fit than suggest?

In some situations, the words intimate and suggest are roughly equivalent. However, intimate stresses delicacy of suggestion without connoting any lack of candor.

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

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 suggest The jury at this trial saw records suggesting that Donna Adelson, who lived with her husband in a luxury Miami condo, had the means to fund the murder plot that cost over $100,000 with their son, who worked with them at the family’s thriving dentistry practice. Lauren Del Valle, CNN Money, 6 Sep. 2025 The report will suggest that the pain-relieving medication is among the potential causes of autism, along with low levels of folate (a vitamin that promotes cell growth), according to the Wall Street Journal (WSJ). Escher Walcott, PEOPLE, 6 Sep. 2025 The Herald also found a pile of wet clothes, two children’s backpacks and food at the end of a street in Tavernier where the ocean meets the shore, suggesting the group swam to land and changed into dry clothing. Milena Malaver, Miami Herald, 6 Sep. 2025 These participants’ accounts suggest that initiating divorce is often less about conflict with a partner and more about reclaiming control over one’s life and decisions. Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 6 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for suggest
Recent Examples of Synonyms for suggest
Verb
  • Containment indicates what percentage of the fire perimeter has been surrounded by a control line.
    CA WILDFIRE BOT, Sacbee.com, 5 Sep. 2025
  • Similarly, some studies indicate heat can boost flexibility and range of motion during stretching.
    Lauren Leffer, Popular Science, 4 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Of the three facilities her friend recommended, The Menninger Clinic in Houston was the only one that returned her call.
    Duaa Eldeib, ProPublica, 10 Sep. 2025
  • Others recommend a 50-50 mix of water and white vinegar.
    Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 9 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Intersectionality proposes that societal problems such as crime and illiteracy correct themselves if opportunities and environments are evened out via public policy.
    John Scott Lewinski, The Washington Examiner, 5 Sep. 2025
  • The agent also proposes that player power — and agent power — is another leading factor.
    Oliver Kay, New York Times, 4 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • That implies an attractive 40% upside from current levels.
    Trefis Team, Forbes.com, 9 Sep. 2025
  • Leerink's price target of $77 implies shares could surge 119% from Monday's close.
    Lisa Kailai Han, CNBC, 9 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Skinner advises travelers to try their best to remain calm and engage with the person as little as possible.
    Toria Sheffield, PEOPLE, 7 Sep. 2025
  • Velasco advised a student with a talent for poetry to apply for the Oskar Knoblauch Holocaust Impact Video Contest using one of his poems.
    Erick Trevino, AZCentral.com, 7 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Even 6 inches of moving water can pose a serious risk of knocking you off your feet.
    STAR-TELEGRAM WEATHER BOT, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 6 Sep. 2025
  • Flooding is no longer expected to pose a threat.
    CA Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 6 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Also, with age comes experience, Gellar adds, hinting that her acting is better than ever.
    Anna Kaufman, USA Today, 4 Sep. 2025
  • Looking at Elliott’s post-2024 drives, six-month outcomes have generally been favorable—hinting PEP could see a similar pattern.
    Trefis Team, Forbes.com, 3 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • With its Disney integration and exclusive access to Searchlight and 20th Century Studios titles, the popular streamer offers Academy Award contenders and blockbusters to your screen all year round.
    Hannah Kerns, PEOPLE, 7 Sep. 2025
  • Many wineries and local eateries offer bike racks or valet parking.
    Alexandra Emanuelli, Travel + Leisure, 7 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Suggest.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/suggest. Accessed 12 Sep. 2025.

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