intimate 1 of 3

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intimate

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noun

intimate

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verb

Synonym Chooser

How is the word intimate distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of intimate are hint, imply, insinuate, and suggest. While all these words mean "to convey an idea indirectly," 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 hint take the place of intimate?

The meanings of hint and intimate 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 are the words imply and suggest related as synonyms of intimate?

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 would insinuate be a good substitute for intimate?

The words insinuate and intimate can be used in similar contexts, but insinuate applies to the conveying of a usually unpleasant idea in a sly underhanded manner.

insinuated that there were shady dealings

When could suggest be used to replace intimate?

The synonyms suggest and intimate are sometimes interchangeable, but 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 intimate
Adjective
During one part of the intimate interview, Miley's sobriety came up. Emily Trainham, FOXNews.com, 1 June 2025 Reflecting on her birthday week, Siwa shared a set of photos on Instagram May 21 that included intimate shots with Hughes. Edward Segarra, USA Today, 1 June 2025
Noun
Tahari enters a licensing deal with IHL Group to produce intimates and sleepwear. Layla Ilchi, WWD, 6 Sep. 2024 Bing Guan | Bloomberg | Getty Images Nike has teamed up with Kim Kardashian’s intimates brand Skims to launch a new line of activewear as the legacy sneaker giant looks to win over more women and better compete with Lululemon, Alo Yoga and Vuori, the companies announced Tuesday. Gabrielle Fonrouge, CNBC, 18 Feb. 2025
Verb
Free trade should reign, the spokesperson intimated, and is wholly focused on bolstering its relationships with other trading partners to guard against unfairness perpetuated by Washington. Kate Nishimura, Sourcing Journal, 21 Apr. 2025 From music events with Anderson.Paak, Neil Frances, and BANKS to panel conversations with Deadline and Frieze, to culinary tastings with Quintessa Wines and Lalo Tequila to intimate experiences with Surya Spa. Yola Robert, Forbes.com, 25 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for intimate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for intimate
Adjective
  • Numerous outlets have already reported on how close Barca is to landing breakout 2024/2025 La Liga star Joan Garcia from Espanyol, which could complicate Marc-Andre ter Stegen’s future as Hansi Flick’s first choice goalkeeper.
    Tom Sanderson, Forbes.com, 4 June 2025
  • The 296 rooms of the new hotel would get close, but not surpass, the largest hotel in the Greater Boise Auditorium District’s boundaries: the Riverside Hotel in Garden City, with 300 rooms.
    Nick Rosenberger, Idaho Statesman, 4 June 2025
Adjective
  • Iran has further increased its stockpile of uranium enriched to near weapons-grade levels, a confidential report by the U.N. nuclear watchdog said Saturday.
    Stephanie Liechtenstein, Christian Science Monitor, 31 May 2025
  • The Justice Department and Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser are suing the company and several large landlords for allegedly establishing a cartel-like system to drive up rent prices by sharing confidential information.
    Seth Klamann, Denver Post, 30 May 2025
Noun
  • Memoir Nation: Weekly Inspiration for Writers is an extension of the Memoir Nation community hosted by Brooke Warner and Grant Faulkner, two friends and colleagues who bring a community-minded sensibility to the writing journey.
    Memoir Nation June 9, Literary Hub, 9 June 2025
  • Researchers found that those with a friend perceived the hill as less steep.
    Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 9 June 2025
Verb
  • Coinbase has indicated that cryptocurrency prices are influenced by multi-year cycles that typically last two to four years.
    Trefis Team, Forbes.com, 10 June 2025
  • Crisp, curly hair indicates a hasty, somewhat impetuous and rash character.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 9 June 2025
Adjective
  • Playing familiar music can make using the toilet feel like a fun, comfortable activity, rather than a scary one.
    Kara Nesvig, Parents, 12 June 2025
  • The high school journey for Hiram Johnson’s students came to a close Wednesday with familiar themes in a new location.
    Sacbee.com, Sacbee.com, 12 June 2025
Adjective
  • Back in August 1993, an eight-year-old Harry, along with his older brother Prince William, then 11, enjoyed a private visit to Walt Disney World in Florida with Princess Diana.
    Madison E. Goldberg, People.com, 7 June 2025
  • Every room includes either a private balcony or terrace that opens up to lush gardens or Coral Sea views.
    Alli Forde, Travel + Leisure, 6 June 2025
Noun
  • My buddy, Patterson, one of the admins, invited me one day, and that was that.
    Vinson Cunningham, New Yorker, 2 June 2025
  • Bruce’s dream home would include a fenced yard, a playful dog buddy, and people who are home often, whether retired, work-from-home, or just able to spend more of their time with him.
    Trish Stinger, Kansas City Star, 28 May 2025
Verb
  • Just as its name implies, this oversized two-story vessel sits moored in the tranquil waters of Montego Bay, serving an extensive menu of mostly seafood dishes, but with a little something for every diner.
    Carley Rojas Avila, Travel + Leisure, 3 June 2025
  • The predominant color in both hotels is white, but as their names imply, Stella Nova is accented with cooler tones and starry vibes while Terra Nova has warmer, more terrestrial theming.
    Eve Chen, USA Today, 3 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Intimate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/intimate. Accessed 17 Jun. 2025.

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