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 But early data suggests Muse may be finding a particularly receptive audience among older adults. — Andrew R. Chow, Time, 22 Oct. 2026 However, messaging from organizations and informal networks involved in the protests suggests that demonstrators intend to return to the streets during the weekend. — Timothy Nerozzi, The Washington Examiner, 22 Oct. 2026 The cheapest day to fly may surprise you Kayak data suggests the cheapest day to fly during the holiday period is often the holiday itself. — Joshua Sidorowicz, CBS News, 21 Oct. 2026 The return to office changes come just a day after a report suggested Microsoft was planning to announce further Xbox layoffs this month, and in November and January. — Tom Warren, The Verge, 21 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for suggest

Recent Examples of Synonyms for suggest

Verb

Neither side has indicated when the temporary truce would end.

— Yuliya Talmazan, NBC news, 27 Oct. 2026
Individual containers of food were not marked to indicate the food items to be discarded under time as public health control.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 26 Oct. 2026

Definition of indicate

Verb

Stokes recommends that users turn off the option that lets Meta train its AI on conversations, and periodically review what the assistant has saved about them.

— Andrew R. Chow, Time, 22 Oct. 2026
The spacious accommodations, indoor pool, gardens, and warm service make this an easy hotel to recommend for families.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 21 Oct. 2026

Definition of recommend

Verb

As part of the spinoff deal, Cion has proposed to invest $25 million as an anchor investor in the separate company.

— Laya Neelakandan, CNBC, 22 Oct. 2026
As the shooting sparked demonstrations for gun reform, Pearson joined two Democratic representatives—Justin Jones, also African American, and Gloria Johnson—to propose new gun-safety measures.

— Keeanga-Yamahtta Taylor, New Yorker, 22 Oct. 2026

Definition of propose

Verb

Because light obeys a superposition principle even under classical physics, this experimental breakthrough doesn’t imply that Schrödinger’s equation necessarily applies to objects 12,900 kilometers wide.

— Philipp Strasberg, Scientific American, 20 Oct. 2026
But to imply that a world-class athlete is exaggerating an injury to preserve his reputation is a staggering lapse in judgment.

— Matt Calkins OutKick, FOXNews.com, 20 Oct. 2026

Definition of imply

Verb

Solomon Rivera went from a job advising Mayor Karen Bass to running an outside campaign committee supporting her reelection months later, causing some experts to question whether the committee is independent.

— David Zahniser, Los Angeles Times, 26 Oct. 2026
Jokilehto advised that invitations should list the names of the people in the household that are invited.

— Kristen Rogers, CNN Money, 26 Oct. 2026

Definition of advise

Verb

Making peace between the GOP’s pro-Israel establishment and its restive right wing will pose an early challenge for Vice President JD Vance, who’s positioning himself for a posible 2028 run.

— Shelby Talcott, semafor.com, 26 Oct. 2026
Beyond the immediate threat to crude supplies, damage to refining infrastructure could pose a more persistent challenge to global energy markets.

— Lee Ying Shan, CNBC, 26 Oct. 2026

Definition of pose

Verb

Dummy’s third full-length release tasks itself with offering an affirmation of life, spelled out in no uncertain terms through the thwack of DnB drumlines, abrasive distortion, and incisive songwriting.

— Sue Park, Pitchfork, 22 Oct. 2026
Like Kostka, Torito is committed to offering health insurance for his employees, even as his own costs rise.

— Alana Semuels, Time, 22 Oct. 2026

Definition of offer

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sugary

suggest

suggested

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“Suggest.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/suggest. Accessed 28 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of suggest

verb

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