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 Tracking is suggesting a five-day debut in the $100 million to $125 million range, but that that number could climb higher. Pamela McClintock, HollywoodReporter, 1 July 2025 UPenn also released a statement acknowledging the agreement, and suggested changes to its swimming records will be made. Jackson Thompson, FOXNews.com, 1 July 2025 For external cleaning of your kitchen sink, Sandifer suggests using a disinfectant spray with a degreaser and a microfiber cloth to run over the faucet, handles, and surface area. Ashlyn Needham, Southern Living, 22 June 2025 Which suggests to me that Magic, who is now part of the Dodgers’ ownership group, learned quite well from Dr. Buss. Jim Alexander, Oc Register, 22 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for suggest
Recent Examples of Synonyms for suggest
Verb
  • The outpacing of expectations indicates that Rebirth may end up nabbing a $145 million opening in the US.
    Paul Tassi, Forbes.com, 5 July 2025
  • Look for the first hints of color change to indicate a tomato is ready to harvest.
    Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 5 July 2025
Verb
  • One reader recommends visiting in December—just in time for snow and the Christmas markets.
    Peter Terzian, Travel + Leisure, 8 July 2025
  • Experts recommend traveling with a local guide, being mindful of social norms, and making genuine connections with locals.
    Christopher Elliott, USA Today, 8 July 2025
Verb
  • After a lengthy discussion on what to send back to the jury, Judge Subramanian adopted the language for the note proposed by the prosecution.
    Tracy Wright , Lauryn Overhultz , Maria Paronich , Brendan McDonald, FOXNews.com, 1 July 2025
  • This integrated approach enables solution providers to deliver more value, propose valuable enhancements or new services at exactly the right moment.
    Rachel Lyubovitzky, Forbes.com, 1 July 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
Verb
  • The Consumer Product Safety Commission advises that children do not use fireworks, including sparklers.
    Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 5 July 2025
  • The Context Diogo Jose Teixeira da Silva, who went by Diogo Jota, and his brother André died on Thursday while driving from Spain to England after a doctor advised them not to fly after Jota received minor lung surgery.
    Peter Aitken, MSNBC Newsweek, 5 July 2025
Verb
  • The industry is under further threat posed by the uncertainty over the outcome of tariff negotiations between the Trump administration and international countries.
    Martino Carrera, Footwear News, 1 July 2025
  • 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, 1 July 2025
Verb
  • General manager Marc Eversley hinted after Wednesday’s first round that the Bulls were considering a trade down in the second round — and that the roster is expected to undergo further change before the season.
    Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 27 June 2025
  • Executive producer Coogler has hinted the show will also tee up some themes from Avengers: Doomsday.
    Jennifer Zhan, Vulture, 24 June 2025
Verb
  • As a decisive moment in Santa Barbara’s history, the earthquake also offered the opportunity to reshape its look.
    Rong-Gong Lin II, Los Angeles Times, 29 June 2025
  • This compact device fits on my keychain and offers instant peace of mind.
    Samantha Leal, Travel + Leisure, 29 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Suggest.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/suggest. Accessed 11 Jul. 2025.

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