SUGGEST Synonyms: 64 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

suggest

verb

səg-ˈjest

Definition of suggest

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

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

as in to propose

to set before the mind for consideration might I suggest, for an appetizer, our jumbo shrimp cocktail?

Synonyms & Similar Words

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 State your window, define the deliverable, and suggest a realistic next step. — Tarot.com, Chicago Tribune, 21 Aug. 2026 Thus far, there is nothing to suggest that Moscow intended to violate Romanian airspace, the ministry in Bucharest said. — David Brennan, ABC News, 21 Aug. 2026 But that’s a much smaller part of the story than the argument suggests, and ignores that the majority of the competitive stakes in major European divisions are driven by the quest for continental competition. — Ian Nicholas Quillen, Forbes.com, 21 Aug. 2026 The Post suggests Schmidt’s internal dispute also stems from the coalition’s political effectiveness. — Joshua Hong, Fortune, 21 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for suggest

Recent Examples of Synonyms for suggest

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

Verb

Instead of a pomade stick, Tauber recommends using Oribe Gel Sérum on coils, applying a generous amount around the hairline before smoothing it back with a boar bristle brush.

— Marci Robin, Allure, 21 Aug. 2026
Early retention affects whether Roblox recommends the experience.

— Ian Shepherd, Forbes.com, 21 Aug. 2026

Definition of recommend

Verb

To avoid similar situations, it is advised to download maps, bring flashlights, pack water and food and call for help right away if you do get lost.

— Charlie De Mar, CBS News, 18 Aug. 2026
Visitors are advised to keep at least 50 meters (164 feet) away from the deer, never feed or touch them and if one approaches you to put food and packaging out of sight and move away slowly and calmly.

— Lianne Kolirin, CNN Money, 18 Aug. 2026

Definition of advise

Verb

The early harvest also poses logistical challenges in a region where grapes are traditionally picked by hand, with some workers still on summer vacation and others facing transportation delays.

— ABC News, ABC News, 20 Aug. 2026
Summary Chicago Cubs centerfielder Pete Crow-Armstrong is a legitimate contender for the 2026 National League MVP, with Shohei Ohtani posing the primary threat.

— Bernie Pleskoff, Forbes.com, 19 Aug. 2026

Definition of pose

Verb

Georgia’s public universities can now offer a three-year alternative.

— Jason Armesto, AJC.com, 22 Aug. 2026
For something more laid‑back, Giardino Restaurant sits under century‑old pines on an ancient stone terrace, offering a relaxed but memorable lunch experience.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 Aug. 2026

Definition of offer

Browse Nearby Words

sugary

suggest

suggested

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Cite this Entry

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“Suggest.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/suggest. Accessed 23 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of suggest

verb

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