SUGGEST Synonyms: 64 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

suggest

verb

səg-ˈjest

Definition of suggest

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

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

as in to propose

to set before the mind for consideration might I suggest, for an appetizer, our jumbo shrimp cocktail?

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 the name suggests, the museum showcases a rotating series of contemporary and Latin American artists. — Nikkita Nair, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 Oct. 2026 Early investigation details suggest the man was hit by a vehicle that left the area, according to the news release. — Kendrick Calfee, Kansas City Star, 7 Oct. 2026 More than doubling the cost of the latest iPhone might risk pricing out customers and hobbling Apple’s ubiquity, analysts suggested. — Ashley Belanger, ArsTechnica, 7 Oct. 2026 The shrinking premium is especially notable given new research from the National Bureau of Economic Research suggesting a varied résumé matters more than ever for those aiming for the top job. — Muskaan Arshad, Fortune, 7 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for suggest

Recent Examples of Synonyms for suggest

Verb

Dash clues are used to indicate that their entries are part of a larger gimmick.

— Sam Corbin, New York Times, 13 Oct. 2026
Red indicates an address is unsafe to enter, while yellow restricts use.

— Deborah Vankin, Los Angeles Times, 12 Oct. 2026

Definition of indicate

Verb

Though professional society guidelines recommended against performing this biopsy on women 70 or older with early-stage cancer, other groups had reported that it was still being done.

— Allessandra DiCorato, STAT, 8 Oct. 2026
The finding prompted auditors to recommend the Legislature clarify remote work policies in state law.

— Corey Schmidt, Sacbee.com, 7 Oct. 2026

Definition of recommend

Verb

Owners also proposed the Division Series, which has been a best-of-five since its introduction in 1995, to be a best-of-seven, but with a wild twist.

— Ryan Morik OutKick, FOXNews.com, 8 Oct. 2026
The league did not propose changing the number of playoff teams from the current 12.

— Evan Drellich, New York Times, 8 Oct. 2026

Definition of propose

Verb

This implies that even if the Federal Reserve acts again before year end, any movement would more likely represent a limited policy fine tuning grounded in inflation and employment data.

— , CNBC, 7 Oct. 2026
Whether cutting sulfur-rich foods and red meat for two weeks measurably reduces odor, the directional test Palinski-Wade’s guidance implies.

— Samantha Agate, Sacbee.com, 6 Oct. 2026

Definition of imply

Verb

Inside, Kaylee is eager to prove herself by really learning laundry and nailing it; Fraser advises her to come up with a system and stick to it.

— Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 13 Oct. 2026
In recent history, the Justice Department's practice has been to advise prosecutors not to take any overt investigative steps against members of Congress or candidates within 60 days of an election.

— ABC News, ABC News, 12 Oct. 2026

Definition of advise

Verb

Sticky inflation poses challenges for consumers, businesses and monetary policymakers alike, Hammack said.

— Alex Harring, CNBC, 12 Oct. 2026
On the first day of his second term, the Republican president repealed a Biden-era executive order aimed in part at guarding against the risks that AI systems pose to consumers, workers and national security.

— Garance Burke, Los Angeles Times, 12 Oct. 2026

Definition of pose

Verb

Vaccarello, meanwhile, has already hinted that his any moves might take him beyond fashion.

— Luke Leitch, Vogue, 9 Oct. 2026
The latest update in Jolie and Pitt’s yearslong legal dispute comes after sources hinted that the actress is also facing a disconnect from their six children.

— Allison DeGrushe, StyleCaster, 8 Oct. 2026

Definition of hint

Verb

By upgrading synthetic skin from a passive sensor into an energy harvester, the Fudan team offers a clever alternative to deadweight batteries.

— New Atlas, New Atlas, 8 Oct. 2026
Mitchell-Namdar said Pink Aid’s mission is to provide emergency aid assistance to those struggling during treatment, whether that means paying an electric bill, rent, offering wigs or lymphedema sleeves.

— Jean E. Palmieri, Footwear News, 8 Oct. 2026

Definition of offer

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sugary

suggest

suggested

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“Suggest.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/suggest. Accessed 14 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of suggest

verb

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