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

Relevance

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

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
The rectangular flag sign was professionally made, with black uppercase letters printed neatly in three decks over a white background, with hints of the American flag at the top and bottom. —Steve Buckley, New York Times, 8 Feb. 2026 Buck had to hear about his dad's exploits—his legend—from others, but a hint was as basic as his name. —CBS News, 8 Feb. 2026
Verb
Now, Audi is hinting that a new RS5 might be in the making, but in plug-in hybrid form and in the greatest segment of them all, as a station wagon. —Erik Shilling, Robb Report, 5 Feb. 2026 Plus, the brothers have killed Nakamura, a member of a prominent Japanese crime family, which Soto hints could lead to repercussions. —Brent Lang, Variety, 5 Feb. 2026 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
  • The sharp drop in return trips by car to Canada is a direct indication that border economies might be facing stress.
    — Frédéric Dimanche, Fortune, 13 Feb. 2026
  • As of Friday, there is no indication of a party filing a notice of opposition to Malinin’s pending registration.
    — Eben Novy-Williams, Sportico.com, 13 Feb. 2026
Definition of indication
Noun
  • The novel is famously austere, with mere glimmers of physical intimacy.
    — Emily Zemler, Los Angeles Times, 11 Feb. 2026
  • Some believe the ouster of strongman leader Nicolás Maduro offers a glimmer of hope for rebuilding institutions and guaranteeing citizens’ rights.
    — CNN 9 hr ago, CNN Money, 5 Feb. 2026
Definition of glimmer
Noun
  • Investigators are buried in leads The influx of tips generated in the case – further fueled by the release this week of footage captured by Guthrie’s doorbell camera – is both good and bad for law enforcement.
    — Elizabeth Hartfield, CNN Money, 16 Feb. 2026
  • For more stylish ways to hide clutter, check out our favorite finds below, with everything from storage ottomans to bathroom jars for Q-tips and cotton balls, handwoven baskets, cabinets, and more.
    — Caley Sturgill, Southern Living, 15 Feb. 2026
Definition of tip
Noun
  • Turn them over; repeat brushing with olive oil and sprinkling seasonings.
    — Faye Levy, Oc Register, 11 Feb. 2026
  • Ever, a classic americano with Better Buzz’s signature creamy vanilla, finished with strawberry rose cold foam, beautiful rose petals and a sprinkling of sugar.
    — Karen Billing, San Diego Union-Tribune, 10 Feb. 2026
Definition of sprinkling
Verb
  • The recent batch of labor market data (both public and private) indicated that there’s a high likelihood that job growth was tepid, that unemployment remained subdued and that health care remained a primary driver of overall hiring.
    — Alicia Wallace, CNN Money, 11 Feb. 2026
  • However, documents indicate that the friendship continued.
    — Stephanie Nolasco, FOXNews.com, 11 Feb. 2026
Definition of indicate
Noun
  • Your dreams may surface useful clues, so consider writing them down and looking up the symbolism later.
    — Tarot.com, Hartford Courant, 10 Feb. 2026
  • The rollout and design of the Obamas’ healthy-eating initiatives offer some clues as to how this happened.
    — Annie Levin, Washington Post, 10 Feb. 2026
Definition of clue
Noun
  • Neutrogena's Dry-touch Sunscreen provides UVA/UVB protection benefits in a compact size.
    — Michael Cappetta, Travel + Leisure, 5 Feb. 2026
  • There are so many flavors in this casserole (thanks to the cheese, relish, ketchup, and more) but the sweet buttery rolls on the top are the perfect finishing touch.
    — Alana Al-Hatlani, Southern Living, 5 Feb. 2026
Definition of touch
Noun
  • At other points, Siegal turned to Epstein for advice on everything from a dispute over her inheritance to untangling her personal finances to dealing with a rival to her publicity business.
    — Brent Lang, Variety, 10 Feb. 2026
  • The Observer used passenger trips instead of revenue miles to calculate crime rates at the advice of several public transit research experts.
    — Caitlin McGlade, Charlotte Observer, 10 Feb. 2026
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 16 Feb. 2026.

Copy Citation

More from Merriam-Webster on hint

Nglish: Translation of hint for Spanish Speakers

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

More Words You Always Have to Look Up

'Buck naked' or 'butt naked'?

What does 'etcetera' mean?

Is that lie 'bald-faced' or 'bold-faced'?

The Difference Between 'i.e.' and 'e.g.'
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

16 Glee-ridden Words from Schitt's Creek

Did Orange the Fruit or the Color Come First?

Why Is the Letter ‘Z’ Associated With Sleeping?

The Words of the Week - Feb. 13

Why do we call it 'ides of March'?
See More

Popular

See More

More Words You Always Have to Look Up

16 Glee-ridden Words from Schitt's Creek

Did Orange the Fruit or the Color Come First?
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
The Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
burrowing owl athene cunicularia tilts its head outside its burrow on marco island florida
Guess the Curious Origins of These Everyday Words Oh, that’s where that comes from…
See All