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 Thus, far from being a liability, studies have suggested that this kind of emotional transparency fosters trust, deepens connection and enhances relationship satisfaction. Ximena Araya-Fischel, Forbes.com, 17 May 2025 In his plan, Voight suggested something along these lines too: a 10 to 20 percent federal rebate that would stack with any existing state credits. David Sims, The Atlantic, 17 May 2025 Pollock suggests adding a mocktail garden bar, a flower bar, and mini takeaway baskets with wildflower seeds to tie the theme together in a memorable way. Lauren Thomann, Better Homes & Gardens, 17 May 2025 However, more detailed breakdowns suggest costs for family travel can range from $1,500 to over $10,000 depending on factors like destination, duration and travel style. Roger Sands, Forbes.com, 4 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for suggest
Recent Examples of Synonyms for suggest
Verb
  • Currently, there is no data indicating the containment progress of the fire and its cause has not yet been determined.
    CA WILDFIRE BOT, Sacbee.com, 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
Verb
  • The death rate for chicken pox, for instance, is extremely low, but the vaccine is available to, and recommended for, all children—not just those with preexisting conditions.
    Katherine J. Wu, The Atlantic, 21 May 2025
  • The article recommended including monitoring services, upskilled IT staff and providing employee cybersecurity awareness training as part of this investment.
    Dewayne Hart, Forbes.com, 21 May 2025
Verb
  • To partially offset the lost revenue, Republicans propose repealing or phasing out more quickly the clean energy tax credits passed during Joe Biden’s presidency, helping to bring down the overall cost of the tax portion to about $3.8 trillion.
    Kevin Freking, Chicago Tribune, 16 May 2025
  • And in December 2024, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service proposed adding the beloved monarch butterfly to the endangered species list.
    USA Today, USA Today, 16 May 2025
Verb
  • Jokic wasn’t the conniving villain implied by his pregame wardrobe.
    Bennett Durando, Denver Post, 10 May 2025
  • 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
Verb
  • The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention advises residents in areas with excessive heat to wear light clothing, drink lots of water, use their air conditioning and avoid from exerting themselves outside in order to prevent heat exhaustion or heat stroke.
    Janet Loehrke, USA Today, 19 May 2025
  • Skywatchers are advised to check NOAA’s Aurora view line, which is available for tonight and tomorrow night, as well as its 30-minute forecast and X account, where the latest forecasts are posted.
    Jamie Carter, Forbes.com, 18 May 2025
Verb
  • Angela Bassett poses for photos at the Cannes photocall.
    Tim Lammers, Forbes.com, 14 May 2025
  • The pope and Sinner posed for photos in front of the Davis Cup trophy that Sinner helped Italy win for the second consecutive time last year.
    Nicole Winfield, Chicago Tribune, 14 May 2025
Verb
  • Government ministers on both sides hint the dispute could escalate to military action.
    Riazat Butt, Chicago Tribune, 10 May 2025
  • In fact, Riley hinted the Heat may wait until next offseason to address a potential Herro extension.
    Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 10 May 2025
Verb
  • Last year, an Orange County Sheriff’s Department investigator contacted the department’s cold case unit offering to help identify Parks’ remains with the use of forensic genealogy.
    Marc Ramirez, USA Today, 13 May 2025
  • Baron told me that, on such matters, Bezos often offered public comment only when explicitly asked to do so.
    Clare Malone, New Yorker, 12 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Suggest.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/suggest. Accessed 25 May. 2025.

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