INTIMATE Synonyms: 205 Similar and Opposite Words

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

Some common synonyms of intimate are hint , imply , insinuate , and suggest . While all these words mean "to convey an idea indirectly," 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 'hint' take the place of 'intimate'?

The meanings of hint and intimate 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

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

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 would 'insinuate' be a good substitute for 'intimate'?

The words insinuate and intimate can be used in similar contexts, but insinuate applies to the conveying of a usually unpleasant idea in a sly underhanded manner. // insinuated that there were shady dealings

Q: When could 'suggest' be used to replace 'intimate'?

The synonyms suggest and intimate are sometimes interchangeable, but 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

intimate 1 of 3

adjective

ˈin-tə-mət

Definition of intimate

as in close

closely acquainted intimate friends who can practically finish each other's sentences

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in confidential

not known or meant to be known by the general populace they trusted each other enough to share intimate thoughts

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

intimate

2 of 3

noun

ˈin-tə-mət

as in friend

a person who has a strong liking for and trust in another usually quite aloof in public, he's actually very relaxed with his intimates

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

intimate

3 of 3

verb

ˈin-tə-ˌmāt

as in to indicate

to convey an idea indirectly trying to intimate that there was more going on than anyone knew

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How is the word intimate distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of intimate are hint, imply, insinuate, and suggest. While all these words mean "to convey an idea indirectly," 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 hint take the place of intimate?

The meanings of hint and intimate 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 are the words imply and suggest related as synonyms of intimate?

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 would insinuate be a good substitute for intimate?

The words insinuate and intimate can be used in similar contexts, but insinuate applies to the conveying of a usually unpleasant idea in a sly underhanded manner.

insinuated that there were shady dealings

When could suggest be used to replace intimate?

The synonyms suggest and intimate are sometimes interchangeable, but 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 intimate

Adjective

The two married in an intimate New York ceremony in July 2025. — Kimi Robinson, USA Today, 12 Aug. 2026 Yes, the scene is intimate, but the nature of the show requires it to also be horrifying and comedic. — Megan Vick, Los Angeles Times, 12 Aug. 2026

Noun

Fruit of the Loom already has a reputation for creating comfortable intimates and this bra falls right in line, while also remaining basically invisible under clothing. — Jasmine Gomez, Travel + Leisure, 10 June 2026 Washing intimates in cold water on the delicate cycle keeps the fibers from losing their stretch. — Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 4 June 2026

Verb

Needless to say, when the time came for Scott’s first close-up, he was reasonably intimated. — Shania Russell, Entertainment Weekly, 22 July 2026 The governor’s office intimated that the federal government was investigating payments made to Siebel Newsom’s film production company. — Terry Collins, USA Today, 15 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for intimate

Recent Examples of Synonyms for intimate

Adjective

Girls’ Generation, currently eight members, can be taken as a closer parallel of the same story.

— Hannah Abraham, Forbes.com, 10 Aug. 2026
Messi’s close friend and international teammate, Rodrigo De Paul, captained the squad in his absence.

— Avi Creditor, New York Times, 9 Aug. 2026

Definition of close

Adjective

People who hold more senior positions in the system, or who have access to confidential information, generally have tighter restrictions placed upon them, according to several sources familiar with the matter and open government announcements.

— Sylvie Zhuang, CNN Money, 16 Aug. 2026
SpaceX has requested to keep the photos of the device, along with the user manual, confidential over the next 180 days.

— Michael Kan, PC Magazine, 14 Aug. 2026

Definition of confidential

Noun

Prosecutors had said that Laster and Rozier, longtime friends, were part of a group called GMB that publicly flaunted its access to guns and that Laster allegedly relied on to intimidate witnesses.

— Mike Vorkunov, New York Times, 12 Aug. 2026
While everyone tries to photograph the actual eclipse, French prefers a different perspective if viewing the event with friends or family.

— Ashley Strickland, CNN Money, 12 Aug. 2026

Definition of friend

Verb

The report also indicated that Chinese developers continued to use Nvidia chips for training advanced models despite efforts to expand domestic alternatives.

— Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 11 Aug. 2026
State inspection records show multiple water quality and safety violations at Hialeah's Bucky Dent Water Park, indicating concerns beyond the permitting issues city officials have publicly cited for the facility's closure.

— Abby Dodge, CBS News, 11 Aug. 2026

Definition of indicate

Adjective

Financial firms are now gearing up to jump into the market in a different way, as executives like Goldman Sachs CEO David Solomon and KKR's Waldemar Szlezak see AI equipment attaining familiar money-making characteristics.

— Kif Leswing, CNBC, 11 Aug. 2026
If this sounds like a familiar issue to you, pack some extra Tylenol to be safe.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 11 Aug. 2026

Definition of familiar

Noun

Proudly stupid and surprisingly sweet, Dylan Meyer’s stoner buddy comedy is a tribute to friendship best enjoyed with your own ride-or-die by your side — joints optional.

— Angie Han, HollywoodReporter, 12 Aug. 2026
The two became annual dive buddies in the Sea of Cortez, where Kennedy often shared stories of a giant manta ray.

— Maya Santiago, San Diego Union-Tribune, 12 Aug. 2026

Definition of buddy

Verb

Tuesday, David Berman of the Eastern District clarified that the Eastern District did not mean to imply through the filing that Rozier was part of a gang.

— Mike Vorkunov, New York Times, 12 Aug. 2026
In 2010, Hilton posted a picture of the then 17 year old Cyrus getting out of a car, with some parts pixelated, implying the child star was not fully clothed.

— Hannah Abraham, Forbes.com, 10 Aug. 2026

Definition of imply

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“Intimate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/intimate. Accessed 16 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of intimate

adjective

noun

verb

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