indicate

verb

in·​di·​cate ˈin-də-ˌkāt How to pronounce indicate (audio)
indicated; indicating

transitive verb

1
a
: to point out or point to
b
: to be a sign, symptom, or index of
the high fever indicates a serious condition
c
: to demonstrate or suggest the necessity or advisability of
indicated the need for a new school
the indicated treatment
2
: to state or express briefly
indicated a desire to cooperate

Example Sentences

Our records indicate a depth of 3,000 feet here. The map indicates where the treasure is buried. There is nothing to indicate that the two events are connected. The size of his offer indicates that he is eager to buy the house. The general used a long ruler to indicate on the map exactly where the troops would land. We asked how to get to the rear entrance, and he indicated a path leading around the right side of the building. See More
Recent Examples on the Web Some bikes opt for simpler controls with just LED lights to indicate Power On and assist level. Dan Cavallari, Popular Mechanics, 3 Mar. 2023 Since prices are in Japanese yen, there are price conversion charts in each aisle to indicate how much customers can expect to pay in U.S. dollars. Kimi Robinson, The Arizona Republic, 3 Mar. 2023 The records appear to indicate that police took pieces of the vehicle, including floor mats, a seat belt and buckle, the overhead visor, a door panel, the seats and cushions, headrests and the gas and brake pedals. oregonlive, 2 Mar. 2023 His camera roll included screenshots of Google Map directions that appeared to indicate the thieves’ getaway route. Hazlitt, 1 Mar. 2023 Guests can fill in info like name and address, then answer questions with a drop-down bar to indicate food choices, song recommendations, and plus ones. Alicia Geigel, Peoplemag, 28 Feb. 2023 The clerk cleared her throat to indicate that the store was closing. Merve Emre, The New Yorker, 27 Feb. 2023 The elevation of the farm might be included to indicate that the beans were grown in an ideal setting, as coffee grown at higher elevations offers optimal quality and flavor. Julie Wolfson, Los Angeles Times, 23 Feb. 2023 The display lights up to indicate both the center and the sides of the stud. Barbara Bellesi Zito, Better Homes & Gardens, 23 Feb. 2023 See More

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'indicate.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Word History

Etymology

Latin indicatus, past participle of indicare, from in- + dicare to proclaim, dedicate — more at diction

First Known Use

1541, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of indicate was in 1541

Dictionary Entries Near indicate

Cite this Entry

“Indicate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/indicate. Accessed 27 Mar. 2023.

Kids Definition

indicate

verb
in·​di·​cate ˈin-də-ˌkāt How to pronounce indicate (audio)
indicated; indicating
1
a
: to point out or point to
b
: to be a sign of
flowers indicating the arrival of spring
2
: to state or express briefly : suggest

Medical Definition

indicate

transitive verb
in·​di·​cate ˈin-də-ˌkāt How to pronounce indicate (audio)
indicated; indicating
1
: to be a fairly certain symptom of : show the presence or existence of
the high fever indicates a serious condition
2
: to call for especially as treatment for a particular condition
radical surgery is often indicated in advanced cancer

More from Merriam-Webster on indicate

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