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

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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
This cheek tint blends seamlessly and even features a hint of sparkle for those who want a bit of extra oomph. —Annie Blackman, Allure, 18 July 2025 Bolstering her penchant for multipurpose beauty products, this features hints of peachy-pinks and shimmery hues similar to those of a highlighter or blush. —Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 18 July 2025
Verb
However, the post hinted that the location will house a new business. —Susan Selasky, Freep.com, 13 July 2025 Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi even hinted that China may cancel part of the upcoming two-day summit between EU and Chinese officials due to the growing and ongoing tensions between both parties. —Mark Temnycky, Forbes.com, 11 July 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
  • All indications are that the Yankees won’t try to shop for a new shortstop.
    — Brendan Kuty, New York Times, 30 July 2025
  • Google reviews, as well as reviews from the Better Business Bureau, can be a great indication of whether or not a dealership has good customer service.
    — Charles Singh, USA Today, 30 July 2025
Definition of indication
Noun
  • Despite the serious nature of the diagnosis, Ospreay offered a glimmer of hope.
    — Andrew Ravens‎, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 July 2025
  • In the past year, there was a little glimmer of recovery: Earnings were up about 22% on a 2.7% revenue increase.
    — John Dorfman, Forbes.com, 14 July 2025
Definition of glimmer
Noun
  • Send ideas and tips to arlyssa.becenti@arizonarepublic.com.
    — Arlyssa D. Becenti, AZCentral.com, 21 July 2025
  • Keep reading to learn more about what could have happened to Bradley, including the numerous theories surrounding her disappearance and whether authorities have ever been able to locate her, despite people coming forward with sightings and anonymous tips that could point to something more sinister.
    — Monica Mercuri, Forbes.com, 20 July 2025
Definition of tip
Noun
  • Switzerland fans, along with a sprinkling of Wales fans, buffered the gaps.
    — Megan Feringa, New York Times, 25 July 2025
  • Most popular history skips from Hiroshima to the economic boom of the 1950s—with maybe a sprinkling of the Marshall Plan in between—but our society was fundamentally reorganized by the war.
    — Literary Hub July 1, Literary Hub, 1 July 2025
Definition of sprinkling
Verb
  • The Main State Fire Marshal is still investigating the incident, but initial findings indicate liquid propane gas was seemingly leaking into and beneath the camper prior to the incident, according to fire officials.
    — Abigail Adams, People.com, 29 July 2025
  • The study indicated that direct spending on diving activities generates $900 million to $3.2 billion annually and between $8.5 billion and $20.4 billion when including indirect spending on accommodations and local services.
    — Ashley Mackin Solomon, San Diego Union-Tribune, 29 July 2025
Definition of indicate
Noun
  • The Word said with a sigh Crossword Clue Answer is... Answer: ALAS For more on USA TODAY's Crossword Puzzles This crossword clue page was generated automatically using information from puzzles.usatoday.com.
    — Sally Hoelscher, USA Today, 21 July 2025
  • Sports Edition Coach — a spot to gather clues and discuss (and share) scores.
    — Mark Cooper, New York Times, 21 July 2025
Definition of clue
Noun
  • The lips added a touch more color to the distinctive clouds around her eyes with red lipstick and clear gloss.
    — Kaleigh Werner, Footwear News, 25 July 2025
  • And, sometimes, perfection comes with a surgeon’s touch.
    — Cheryl Robinson, Forbes.com, 25 July 2025
Definition of touch
Noun
  • The material contained on this site is intended to inform, entertain and educate the reader and in no way represents an inducement to gamble legally or illegally or any sort of professional advice.
    — Ray Padilla, The Courier-Journal, 26 July 2025
  • The clip shows a small child bouncing inside a hotel room, a visual that perfectly matches the mom's advice.
    — Soo Kim, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 July 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 2 Aug. 2025.

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