hint 1 of 2

noun

ˈhint How to pronounce hint (audio)
Definition of hintnext
1
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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
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
3
as in tip
a piece of advice or useful information especially from an expert some helpful hints for cleaning carpet stains

Synonyms & Similar Words
4
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

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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
There are hints in the poll that Trump’s pledge to cut government spending may be resonating. —Amelia Thomson-Deveaux, Chicago Tribune, 3 Apr. 2025 Looking for Saturday’s Wordle hints, clues and answer? —Erik Kain, Forbes, 23 Mar. 2025
Verb
Meghan is about to launch a podcast about female founders, and their presence together could hint that Paltrow is due to become a guest, though that has not been confirmed publicly. —Paul Du Quenoy, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 Mar. 2025 Trump had hinted in recent days that a separate statement about auto tariffs could come ahead of next week. —Rob Wile, NBC news, 26 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for hint
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hint
  1. indication
  2. glimmer
  3. tip
  4. sprinkling
  5. indicate
  6. clue
  7. touch
  8. advice
Noun
  • If the bipartisan vote for a similar tort reform package is any indication, however, tort reform stands a better chance of garnering broad, bipartisan support than the other top priorities for legislative leadership in the Lone Star State.
    — Patrick Gleason, Forbes.com, 1 Apr. 2025
  • As of now, the proposal to ban the play, originally provided by the Green Bay Packers, has been tabled, with no clear indication of the final outcome.
    — Josh Hammer, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 Apr. 2025
Definition of indication
Noun
  • Democrats saw a glimmer of hope after achieving a significant upset victory in a GOP-leaning state Senate race in Pennsylvania last week.
    — Samantha-Jo Roth, The Washington Examiner, 2 Apr. 2025
  • Despite being a nonpartisan race, the Badger State contest served as a national proxy battle for Democratic officials and progressive groups, who are grasping at any glimmer of hope amid Trump 2.0's dominance in Washington that has expanded to other parts of the country and culture.
    — Phillip M. Bailey, USA Today, 2 Apr. 2025
Definition of glimmer
Noun
  • Here are a few tips to support your digestive health:23 Watch your diet: Avoid spicy, high-fat, and acidic foods.
    — Elizabeth Barnes, Verywell Health, 3 Apr. 2025
  • Story tips can be sent to [email protected] and on Twitter @asabes10.
    — Adam Sabes, FOXNews.com, 3 Apr. 2025
Definition of tip
Noun
  • From cozy shearling to leopard print, Scandi labels, and a sprinkling of The Row, Lawrence sees herself through the seasons and elements in a various but curated selection of outerwear.
    — Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 10 Apr. 2025
  • The book describes how Amanda gets through a tough day of soaring temperatures with the help of hose sprinkling and lemonade drinking.
    — Chloe Veltman, NPR, 5 Apr. 2025
Definition of sprinkling
Verb
  • As of last May, filings with the state of Texas indicated that 78% of CFP Administration LLC’s ownership was held in equal 15.6% shares by the Big Ten, ACC, SEC, Big 12 and Pac-12.
    — Daniel Libit, Sportico.com, 11 Apr. 2025
  • The affidavit indicates that officials believe the name is an alias.
    — Kerry Breen, CBS News, 10 Apr. 2025
Definition of indicate
Noun
  • Kilmer wanted to be a part of the CBS series, which premiered in 2001, that sends contestants to international destinations hunting for clues.
    — Raechal Shewfelt, EW.com, 5 Apr. 2025
  • And now, some experts are scouring this week’s events for clues on the fate of one of Xi’s top generals.
    — Nectar Gan, CNN Money, 4 Apr. 2025
Definition of clue
Noun
  • With Fox sidelined - also for the year - Vassell is now getting touches and shots, and the Spurs will need to find a way to keep that going.
    — Morten Stig Jensen, Forbes.com, 28 Mar. 2025
  • Household Essentials Handwoven Tray $34 $24 at Amazon Coffee table must-haves like remotes or tissue boxes don’t always look the most aesthetically pleasing, but a tray can keep these items neat and in place with a stylish touch.
    — Alicia Geigel, Southern Living, 28 Mar. 2025
Definition of touch
Noun
  • With so much past trauma surrounding my relationship with food, advice on food and diabetes was really triggering.
    — Julia Ries, Health, 9 Apr. 2025
  • The advice lingers in Nick’s brain: After the older man leaves, Nick removes the chip from the encrypted phone Tuello gave him and throws it into the burning fireplace.
    — Kimberly Roots, TVLine, 8 Apr. 2025
Definition of advice

Browse Nearby Words

hinny
hint
hint (at)
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Hint.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hint. Accessed 15 Apr. 2025.

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