as in indications
a slight or indirect pointing to something (as a solution or explanation)
vainly searched for a clue to the answer
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Recent Examples of clues
Literary Hub, 28 Oct. 2025
But her office meeting calendar is starting to show clues.
—Max Tani, semafor.com, 27 Oct. 2025
Chemical clues from another world What makes these observations particularly intriguing and puzzling is the detection of nickel without concurrent detection of iron above our instrumental limits.
—Darryl Seligman, Space.com, 27 Oct. 2025
But in 2013, with the availability of more sophisticated tools for fossil analysis, Archer wondered if further examination of that bone might uncover clues that had been overlooked previously.
—Mindy Weisberger, CNN Money, 27 Oct. 2025
Each of these clues points to a fake email designed to steal login details or credit card numbers.
—Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 27 Oct. 2025
Their work helps explain why colonies sometimes turn against their monarch and offers clues on how to prevent it.
—Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 27 Oct. 2025
Detectives have not identified a motive but said the arrests mark a major step in solving a killing that initially appeared to have few clues.
—Santa Rosa Press Democrat, Mercury News, 26 Oct. 2025
Sports Edition Coach — a spot to gather clues and discuss (and share) scores.
—Mark Cooper, New York Times, 25 Oct. 2025
Verb
Eventually, his interests expanded to include dental anthropology—the study of how teeth offer clues to species’ diets, health, and even evolution and migration.
—Literary Hub, 28 Oct. 2025
But her office meeting calendar is starting to show clues.
—Max Tani, semafor.com, 27 Oct. 2025
Chemical clues from another world What makes these observations particularly intriguing and puzzling is the detection of nickel without concurrent detection of iron above our instrumental limits.
—Darryl Seligman, Space.com, 27 Oct. 2025
But in 2013, with the availability of more sophisticated tools for fossil analysis, Archer wondered if further examination of that bone might uncover clues that had been overlooked previously.
—Mindy Weisberger, CNN Money, 27 Oct. 2025
Each of these clues points to a fake email designed to steal login details or credit card numbers.
—Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 27 Oct. 2025
Their work helps explain why colonies sometimes turn against their monarch and offers clues on how to prevent it.
—Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 27 Oct. 2025
Detectives have not identified a motive but said the arrests mark a major step in solving a killing that initially appeared to have few clues.
—Santa Rosa Press Democrat, Mercury News, 26 Oct. 2025
Sports Edition Coach — a spot to gather clues and discuss (and share) scores.
—Mark Cooper, New York Times, 25 Oct. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for clues
Noun
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While there are no indications that a serial killer is behind the deaths, that doesn’t rule out the possibility entirely, Coons said.—
Dalia Faheid,
CNN Money,
27 Oct. 2025
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Officials have begun a death investigation, but the death does not appear suspicious based on early indications, officials said in a release.—
Melina Khan,
USA Today,
24 Oct. 2025
Verb
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At the other end of the spectrum, Macquarie’s chief economist, David Doyle, tells Fortune that while Washington isn’t necessarily shaping its policy because of imminent recessionary fears, policymakers will be keen to maintain growth.—
Eleanor Pringle,
Fortune,
27 Oct. 2025
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Folklorist Thomas Keightley tells the tale of a kobold named Hödeken who was insulted by a kitchen boy who kept spraying water at him.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
27 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
Baesakul symbolized the interconnection of humans and nature through an interlaced motif interpreted as leather lacing or metal hardware and applied to contemporary shapes that take cues from the Eiffel Tower’s silhouette, the curve of a capybara’s back or even the form of Baesakul’s pet corgi.—
Lily Templeton,
Footwear News,
23 Oct. 2025
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While Blake took some cues from the famous case — which has sparked plenty of other media, including an episode of American Horror Story — Dreamland tells an entirely different tale.—
Bailey Richards,
PEOPLE,
23 Oct. 2025
Verb
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The Wells Notice, which serves as the civil equivalent of a criminal grand jury target letter, informs the recipients that the Division is prepared to recommend to the Commissioners that they be sued.—
Orianna Rosa Royle,
Fortune,
24 Oct. 2025
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Once passengers buy tickets, the attendant directs them to a waiting Tesla, informs the driver of the destination and sends them on their way.—
Hadley Hitson,
Nashville Tennessean,
22 Oct. 2025
Noun
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Ray Palmer is a lot of Brandon, some hints of Clark for sure.—
Charles Infosino,
Cincinnati Enquirer,
23 Oct. 2025
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The scene illuminates the story’s preoccupation not with the post-#MeToo world but with performance, hints of which can be found throughout the film.—
Shirley Li,
The Atlantic,
22 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Bayer also advises that the drug may cause drowsiness and vertigo, and recommends that anyone taking the drug to avoid drinking grapefruit juice or eating grapefruit.—
Cara Lynn Shultz,
PEOPLE,
27 Oct. 2025
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To minimize risks during outdoor work, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) advises incorporating frequent rest breaks in shaded or air-conditioned areas.—
CA Weather Bot,
Sacbee.com,
27 Oct. 2025
Noun
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Atienza took the post down and withdrew from social media for a time but hit back in subsequent posts at suggestions that her family’s wealth derived from its political connections on her father’s side.—
Melanie Goodfellow,
Deadline,
24 Oct. 2025
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Any of Morocco’s front three could have featured here; all credible suggestions for player of the tournament.—
Thom Harris,
New York Times,
23 Oct. 2025
Verb
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As Chairman Atkins explained, the Wells process is the mechanism through which the Enforcement Staff notifies potential respondents or defendants of any charges, and the basis for the charges, that the Division intends to recommend to the Commission.—
Orianna Rosa Royle,
Fortune,
24 Oct. 2025
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The proposal, which was unanimously approved by the board, also calls for signage to be posted on those properties that notifies the public that immigration enforcement activities are barred on the site.—
Grace Hase,
Mercury News,
22 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Clues.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/clues. Accessed 30 Oct. 2025.
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