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
  • After the sale, Lucius Elliot, the house’s head of contemporary marquee sales, indicated that provenance was a key contributor to the success of the Gladstone and Luxembourg lots.
    Robb Report, Robb Report, 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
  • Leadbetter recommends combining a trip to Lassen Volcanic National Park with experiences in the area like Reno and Lake Tahoe.
    Chloe Arrojado, AFAR Media, 21 May 2025
  • It‘s recommended that adults get 7 to 8 hours of sleep per night for optimal brain health, and to go to bed and wake up around the same time each day.
    Lauryn Higgins, Flow Space, 21 May 2025
Verb
  • The goal for the ordinance is to limit the out-of-pocket fees for potential renters when applying to rental properties, according to Councilwoman Sarah Moore, who first proposed the ordinance to the City Council at its March 4 meeting.
    Grace Hurt, Arkansas Online, 28 May 2025
  • Competition for the brightest students, researchers, and faculty is fierce: Florida has the fourth-largest number of medical schools of any state and several more are proposed.
    Cindy Krischer Goodman, Sun Sentinel, 27 May 2025
Verb
  • Unlike his small-time Israeli rivals, the placards implied, Netanyahu was a savvy statesman who punched above his weight on the international stage, thanks to his unaccented English oratory and ability to inveigle the world’s most powerful people.
    Yair Rosenberg, The Atlantic, 22 May 2025
  • The band sued Brinker International, the parent company of Chili’s Grill & Bar, last July, alleging that the use of the Ill Communication song falsely implied that Beastie Boys endorsed Chili’s.
    Jazz Monroe, Pitchfork, 22 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
  • The release advises anyone with further information to contact the North Little Rock Department Tip Line at (501) 680-8439 or Detective Adam Williams at 501-771-7167.
    Parker Mancino, Arkansas Online, 18 May 2025
Verb
  • Even 6 inches of moving water can pose a serious risk of knocking you off your feet.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 26 May 2025
  • In one snap, Watts and the Ray Donovan star, 57, posed together for a selfie with their son, who wore a dark suit and boutonniere, in the middle.
    Kayla Grant, People.com, 26 May 2025
Verb
  • The disparate responses from voters in all three countries -- and the lack of any decisive victory for any one party or candidate in Portugal or Poland -- hint that the political polarization that has roiled the U.S. over the past decade is a global trend, not merely an American one.
    David Brennan, ABC News, 21 May 2025
  • The only good news for Miami fans was that coach Javier Mascherano hinted in his pregame interview that Messi could be signing a contract extension in the coming weeks.
    Michelle Kaufman, Miami Herald, 19 May 2025
Verb
  • The episode offered clarity on what happened between the two leads after Ellie (Bella Ramsey) learned what Joel did last season.
    Anthony Robledo, USA Today, 25 May 2025
  • The moral dilemma faced by Osama, as Abou Sami offers him freedom in exchange for a cut, feels suddenly interrupted by each injection of the wider world, instead of the two being interwoven.
    Siddhant Adlakha, Variety, 24 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Suggest.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/suggest. Accessed 30 May. 2025.

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