HINT Synonyms: 239 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'hint' distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of hint are imply , insinuate , intimate , and suggest . While all these words mean "to convey an idea indirectly," hint implies the use of slight or remote suggestion with a minimum of overt statement. // hinted that she might get the job

Q: How are the words 'imply' and 'suggest' related as synonyms of 'hint'?

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

Q: When is 'insinuate' a more appropriate choice than 'hint'?

The meanings of insinuate and hint largely overlap; however, insinuate applies to the conveying of a usually unpleasant idea in a sly underhanded manner. // insinuated that there were shady dealings

Q: When might 'intimate' be a better fit than 'hint'?

The words intimate and hint can be used in similar contexts, but intimate stresses delicacy of suggestion without connoting any lack of candor. // intimates that there is more to the situation than meets the eye

Q: In what contexts can 'suggest' take the place of 'hint'?

While in some cases nearly identical to hint , 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

hint 1 of 2

noun

ˈhint

Definition of hint

as in indication

a slight or indirect pointing to something (as a solution or explanation) can't you give me some hint as to where you're taking me?

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in glimmer

an almost imperceptible sign of something there was the slightest hint of scorn in her voice

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in tip

a piece of advice or useful information especially from an expert some helpful hints for cleaning carpet stains

Synonyms & Similar Words

as in sprinkling

a very small amount I detect just a hint of mint in the sauce

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

hint

2 of 2

verb

as in to indicate

to convey an idea indirectly kept hinting that she wouldn't mind an invitation to spend the weekend at their beach house

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How is the word hint distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of hint are imply, insinuate, intimate, and suggest. While all these words mean "to convey an idea indirectly," hint implies the use of slight or remote suggestion with a minimum of overt statement.

hinted that she might get the job

How are the words imply and suggest related as synonyms of hint?

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

When is insinuate a more appropriate choice than hint?

The meanings of insinuate and hint largely overlap; however, 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 hint?

The words intimate and hint can be used in similar contexts, but intimate stresses delicacy of suggestion without connoting any lack of candor.

intimates that there is more to the situation than meets the eye

In what contexts can suggest take the place of hint?

While in some cases nearly identical to hint, 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

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 hint

Noun

Recently spotted with her husband Justin in Beverly Hills, the model and Rhode Founder’s all-black ensemble was perfectly accessorized with hints of white — a light cardigan tied around her waist and minimalist flip-flops on her feet. — Christina Shepherd McGuire, PEOPLE, 18 Aug. 2026 The movement of the natural material in its base contrasts the smoothness of its cushioned top, and the brass detailing adds a hint of fun sparkle. — Kelly Dawson, Architectural Digest, 17 Aug. 2026

Verb

Nobody in training camp has been more disappointing than Ewers because his OTA and minicamp performance hinted that the second-year quarterback deserved a legitimate opportunity to compete for the starting role. — Omar Kelly, Miami Herald, 14 Aug. 2026 Research hints that this precipitous drop in estrogen may affect how our brains age. — Jackie Flynn Mogensen, Scientific American, 12 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for hint

Recent Examples of Synonyms for hint

Noun

Although Ukraine first warned that North Korean troops were using attack drones on their territory last October, this is the first indication the new wave of troops will have this capability.

— Nick Paton Walsh, CNN Money, 21 Aug. 2026
The Starship rocket’s Pez satellite dispenser, optimized for Starlink, is an indication of the company’s priorities.

— Stephen Clark, ArsTechnica, 21 Aug. 2026

Definition of indication

Noun

So, with her back garden pantry set to soon look more potatoes-and-carrots than homegrown orange orchard, will the Duchess keep the all-Americana, Netflix-y glimmer and gloss?

— Chandler Tregaskes, Vanity Fair, 22 Aug. 2026
That rapid growth has provided a glimmer of hope in Hollywood, where optimism has been in short supply.

— Michael Schneider, Variety, 21 Aug. 2026

Definition of glimmer

Noun

The majority of this year's hottest ZIP codes are located on the East Coast, with a sprinkling in the upper Midwest.

— Greta Cross, USA Today, 11 Aug. 2026
Think of it like a recipe, maybe adding flowers to a frosted cake or sprinkling powdered sugar atop a sponge cake; Stewart's rose gold hair injects a sprinkle of the same whimsy into the last few weeks of summertime.

— Kara Nesvig, Allure, 10 Aug. 2026

Definition of sprinkling

Verb

Tests between -112°F and 68°F showed no exothermic peaks associated with water crystallization, indicating that ice formation was suppressed in the hydrogel.

— Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 18 Aug. 2026
Research indicates one in-person meeting can deliver the impact of three virtual ones, with many finding the commercial return outweighs travel costs.

— Alison Coleman, Forbes.com, 18 Aug. 2026

Definition of indicate

Noun

That distinction is also the first clue about why this is so hard to measure.

— Jason Goldberg, Forbes.com, 17 Aug. 2026
Some of those of note include that the study was self-report-focused, without any vestibular analysis that could offer key clues as to where PES may be mechanistically based.

— New Atlas, New Atlas, 17 Aug. 2026

Definition of clue

Noun

Portuguese touches are incorporated here too; the blanket on the bed comes from Burel and is made using wool from Serra de Estrela sheep into colorful, contemporary designs.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 21 Aug. 2026
Fernandez sent a ball-ahead into the attacking third and Ojeda played a first-touch cross to Luighi for the volley that made it 1-1.

— CBS News, CBS News, 20 Aug. 2026

Definition of touch

Noun

This novel legal approach, likened to a polluting factory, argues that AI chatbots cause mental harm, provide uncertified advice, and undermine public health and safety.

— Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 19 Aug. 2026
Iran remains heavily invested in providing the Houthis with expertise and intelligence, according to a Gulf source, while in turn the Houthis provide advice to Iraqi militia.

— Tim Lister, CNN Money, 19 Aug. 2026

Definition of advice

Browse Nearby Words

hinny

hint

hint (at)

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Cite this Entry

Style

“Hint.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hint. Accessed 24 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of hint

noun

verb

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