indicate
verb
in·di·cate
ˈin-də-ˌkāt 
indicated; indicating
1
a(1)
: show sense 5
The map indicates where the treasure is buried.
(2)
: to point out or point to
I asked for the exit and he indicated a path down the hall.
b
: to be a sign, symptom, symbol, or index of
The high fever indicates a serious condition.
A new paragraph indicates a change of subject.
c
: to demonstrate or suggest the necessity or advisability of
indicated the need for a new school
the indicated treatment
Further testing is indicated.
2
: to state or express briefly
indicated a desire to cooperate
Examples of indicate in a Sentence
Our records indicate a depth of 3,000 feet here.
The map indicates where the treasure is buried.
There is nothing to indicate that the two events are connected.
The size of his offer indicates that he is eager to buy the house.
The general used a long ruler to indicate on the map exactly where the troops would land.
We asked how to get to the rear entrance, and he indicated a path leading around the right side of the building.
Recent Examples on the Web
The returns indicate Villaraigosa, a former Los Angeles mayor and speaker of the Assembly, derived much of his income from Actum, a global consulting firm with a strong Sacramento presence, as well as an LLC in his own name.
—
Ben Paviour, Sacbee.com, 4 Apr. 2026
One skeleton estimated at 10,000–12,000 years old was surrounded by evidence of bonfires, possibly indicating funerary rituals involving light.
—Ryan Brennan
april 4, Miami Herald, 4 Apr. 2026
Analysis of past avalanche accidents has indicated that larger group sizes (4 or more people) have higher chances of being caught in avalanches.
—Ethan Baron, Mercury News, 4 Apr. 2026
But the memo indicates homelessness spending might not be as vulnerable to cuts as other programs because the city now has roughly $33 million in hotel tax revenue to spend each year on homelessness.
—David Garrick, San Diego Union-Tribune, 4 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for indicate
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Ben Paviour, Sacbee.com, 4 Apr. 2026
One skeleton estimated at 10,000–12,000 years old was surrounded by evidence of bonfires, possibly indicating funerary rituals involving light.
—Ryan Brennan
april 4, Miami Herald, 4 Apr. 2026
Analysis of past avalanche accidents has indicated that larger group sizes (4 or more people) have higher chances of being caught in avalanches.
—Ethan Baron, Mercury News, 4 Apr. 2026
But the memo indicates homelessness spending might not be as vulnerable to cuts as other programs because the city now has roughly $33 million in hotel tax revenue to spend each year on homelessness.
—David Garrick, San Diego Union-Tribune, 4 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for indicate
Cite this Entry
“Indicate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/indicate. Accessed 5 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
indicate
verb
in·di·cate
ˈin-də-ˌkāt
indicated; indicating
1
a
: to point out or point to
b
: to be a sign of
flowers indicating the arrival of spring
2
: to state or express briefly : suggest
Medical Definition
indicate
transitive verb
in·di·cate
ˈin-də-ˌkāt
indicated; indicating
1
: to be a fairly certain symptom of : show the presence or existence of
the high fever indicates a serious condition
2
: to call for especially as treatment for a particular condition
radical surgery is often indicated in advanced cancer
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