suggest

verb

səg-ˈjest How to pronounce suggest (audio)
Definition of suggestnext
1
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
2
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
3
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 As for passengers who opt to remove their shoes, Whitmore suggested putting on a pair of socks. —Ashley J. Dimella, FOXNews.com, 9 June 2025 Their subsequent conversation during his break suggests lasting affection on both sides. —David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 9 June 2025 But the president and his top advisers responded with an especially pointed threat, suggesting the governor could be arrested for obstruction. —Michael Wilner, Los Angeles Times, 9 June 2025 House Speaker Mike Johnson expressed solidarity with the president after the president suggested Newsom should be arrested. —Alexandra Hutzler, ABC News, 9 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for suggest
Recent Examples of Synonyms for suggest
  1. indicate
  2. recommend
  3. propose
  4. imply
  5. advise
  6. pose
  7. hint
  8. offer
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
  • The release indicated that Dobbins was inside a marked crosswalk when she was struck around 7:30 p.m. that evening.
    — Jessica Nicholson, Billboard, 9 June 2025
Definition of indicate
Verb
  • Experts recommend washing it every 1-2 weeks to ensure allergens aren't accumulating in the twists and tassels.
    — Mary Catherine McAnnally Scott, Southern Living, 14 June 2025
  • Irwin recommends that newcomers try flights to discover different flavors.
    — Veronica Fernandez-Alvarado, Sacbee.com, 14 June 2025
Definition of recommend
Verb
  • The agreement proposes annual wage increases of 1.3 percent in 2024, 1.4 percent in 2025, and 1.5 percent in 2026, along with six full cost-of-living adjustments for career employees.
    — Emma Marsden, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 June 2025
  • Brooks Gibbs, a part of the Save the Garden Coalition, which is proposing a plan that will memorialize African-American history in Clearwater, published a statement in response to the attorney general’s letter.
    — Colbi Edmonds, The Orlando Sentinel, 7 June 2025
Definition of propose
Verb
  • Roughly 56% of analysts surveyed by FactSet have a buy rating on JPMorgan stock, and the average analyst consensus price target implies about 3% upside.
    — Brian Evans, CNBC, 15 June 2025
  • This seems to imply that, for now, Sajet isn’t going anywhere.
    — Jessica Gelt, Los Angeles Times, 13 June 2025
Definition of imply
Verb
  • Meanwhile, smartphone users are advised to watch for signs that their own phones may have been compromised.
    — Zak Doffman, Forbes.com, 9 June 2025
  • Areas in and around downtown Los Angeles could be temporarily off-limits to filmmakers as protests over recent immigration raids continue to unfold, a local film office advised creatives on Monday.
    — Katie Kilkenny, HollywoodReporter, 9 June 2025
Definition of advise
Verb
  • Follow these recommendations from the NWS to stay safe in heavy rain: Beware of swollen waterways: During heavy rain, avoid parking or walking near culverts or drainage ditches, where swift-moving water can pose a serious risk.
    — Bay Area Weather Report, Mercury News, 7 June 2025
  • Washington and Seoul have expressed concern that, in return, Kim may seek Russian technology transfers that could enhance the threat posed by his nuclear-armed military.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 7 June 2025
Definition of pose
Verb
  • Creator Jenny Han has hinted that things may not always stay the same, much like Belly’s relationships with Jeremiah and Conrad.
    — Alejandra Gularte, Vulture, 12 June 2025
  • Some design elements hint towards modernity, while others gesture towards a period piece a few decades in the past.
    — Siddhant Adlakha, Variety, 11 June 2025
Definition of hint
Verb
  • State jobs are known for offering competitive benefits and enrollment in the nation’s largest pension plan.
    — Veronica Fernandez-Alvarado, Sacbee.com, 5 June 2025
  • Love and romance feel more grounded, offering the chance to build stronger connections, romantically and with ourselves.
    — Valerie Mesa, People.com, 5 June 2025
Definition of offer

Browse Nearby Words

sugary
suggest
suggested
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Suggest.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/suggest. Accessed 20 Jun. 2025.

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Nglish: Translation of suggest for Spanish Speakers

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