indicate

verb

in·​di·​cate ˈin-də-ˌkāt 

indicated; indicating

transitive verb

1

a(1)

: show sense 5

The map indicates where the treasure is buried.

(2)

: to point out or point to

I asked for the exit and he indicated a path down the hall.

b

: to be a sign, symptom, symbol, or index of

The high fever indicates a serious condition.

A new paragraph indicates a change of subject.

c

: to demonstrate or suggest the necessity or advisability of

indicated the need for a new school

the indicated treatment

Further testing is indicated.

2

: to state or express briefly

indicated a desire to cooperate

Synonyms of indicate

• mean
• signify
• denote

Examples of indicate in a Sentence

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.

Recent Examples on the Web

The score indicates a slight improvement from the 2023-24 school year, when 26% of students achieved Level 3 or 4. —Dmitry Martirosov, Arkansas Online, 12 Nov. 2025

Containment indicates what percentage of the fire perimeter has been surrounded by a control line. —Ca Wildfire Bot, Sacbee.com, 12 Nov. 2025

Online jail records indicates there is a hold on Sandles for an assault charge in Texas. —Christina Hall, Freep.com, 11 Nov. 2025

Some of the latest weather computer model runs, however, indicate that the system will slow and not arrive until Sunday night, the weather service said. —Kansas City Star, 11 Nov. 2025

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

1651, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Rhymes for indicate

• abdicate
• abrogate
• acetate
• activate
• actuate
• adsorbate
• aggravate
• agitate
• alginate
• alienate
• allocate
• amputate

Kids Definition

indicate

verb

in·​di·​cate ˈin-də-ˌkāt 

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 

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