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

Perks of this product include its moisturizing ingredients, semi-gloss shine, and subtle hint of color. — Izzy Baskette, PEOPLE, 2 July 2026 Style it as the focal point in a blue bedroom, use it to liven up a white bedroom with soft neutrals, or focus on the blooms in yellow and hints of soft pink that can pair with warmer colors to tie the space together. — Caley Sturgill, Southern Living, 1 July 2026

Verb

Coach Jesse Marsch has hinted that the Bayern Munich star may finally be fit and ready to return to action against South Africa. — Jibin Joseph, PC Magazine, 28 June 2026 On Tuesday, Isaacman also hinted that a test version of a NASA Mars rover might be repurposed to send to the lunar surface. — Denise Chow, NBC news, 30 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for hint

Recent Examples of Synonyms for hint

Noun

There were no immediate indications yesterday that US intelligence had knowledge of a specific plot that prompted the warning.

— Nadeen Ebrahim, CNN Money, 4 July 2026
The referee on the field, Raphael Claus, has previously been investigated for match fixing in Brazil, though of course, there's no indication that this was a motivating factor in this case.

— Ian Miller OutKick, FOXNews.com, 3 July 2026

Definition of indication

Noun

News crews, Venezuelan officials and nearby residents were drawn to a remarkable scene that offered a glimmer of hope amid the country’s otherwise dystopian tableau.

— Mery Mogollón, Los Angeles Times, 5 July 2026
Tuesday's rescue marked another glimmer of hope amid the disaster that has devastated the South American country.

— Michael Sinkewicz, FOXNews.com, 1 July 2026

Definition of glimmer

Noun

Rainy weather driving tips Switch on headlights - Even during daylight hours, using headlights can enhance visibility and signal your presence to other drivers.

— STAR-TELEGRAM WEATHER BOT, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 7 July 2026
The butterfly encircles Larsson's eye, with its wings spanning the whole area from her inner brow to well past its tip.

— Kara Nesvig, Allure, 6 July 2026

Definition of tip

Noun

Use Natural Deterrents From Your Pantry To keep the rodents out of your yard for long periods, Schoenberg recommends sprinkling deterrents like hot cayenne, garlic, apple cider, peppermint, or coffee grounds around your plants and gardens.

— Nashia Baker, Martha Stewart, 25 June 2026
Peppers followed, along with a healthy sprinkling of spices.

— Nabih Bulos, Los Angeles Times, 22 June 2026

Definition of sprinkling

Verb

Designed for evolving missions The latest award follows an earlier Titan procurement by JIATF-401, indicating continued confidence in the platform.

— Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 7 July 2026
The motion is unlikely to pass, but indicates how deeply politicized the issue has become.

— CNN Money, CNN Money, 7 July 2026

Definition of indicate

Noun

This column is designed to be educational and informational only and should not be interpreted as medical advice.

— Joy Harden Bradford, AJC.com, 2 July 2026
Banks are starting to explore using AI to boost the productivity of their wealth management departments, especially as rising incomes and wealth boost the demand for financial advice.

— Angelica Ang, Fortune, 1 July 2026

Definition of advice

Browse Nearby Words

hinny

hint

hint (at)

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Style

“Hint.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hint. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of hint

noun

verb

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