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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

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 Seehorn met Haney at a hair salon, and after chatting for some time, Haney suggested setting her up on a date. Katie Mannion, PEOPLE, 11 Jan. 2026 History suggests that the proficient cruelty of such regimes is unable to compensate for the stupidity and incompetence of their cadres. Elizabeth Tsurkov, The Atlantic, 11 Jan. 2026 Early November’s election results suggest voters may see things somewhat differently. Gene Ludwig, Fortune, 11 Jan. 2026 And now, folks in Tallahassee suggest that homesteaded Florida residents should be exempt from property taxes. Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 11 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for suggest
Recent Examples of Synonyms for suggest
Verb
  • This week, Walker County Coroner Joey Vick said that preliminary autopsy findings indicate that Johnathan Boley’s death is consistent with hypothermia, Fox affiliate WBRC, ABC affiliate WBMA and NBC affiliate WVTM reported.
    Sam Gillette, PEOPLE, 9 Jan. 2026
  • In fact, earlier research indicates that such training could be detrimental, inspiring burnout.
    Jake Angelo, Fortune, 9 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • Extra Seating Saab recommends removing any extra seating, such as poufs, stools, or dining chairs that often get pulled in from kitchens, bedrooms, or offices, to accommodate holiday gatherings.
    Kristin Hohenadel, The Spruce, 8 Jan. 2026
  • The cost of Kansas City’s temporary jail facility could jump by nearly $4 million as a city committee recommend additional funding and waiving environmental building standards to keep the project on track for completion before the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
    Ben Wheeler, Kansas City Star, 7 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • The idea is attributed to Polish-American physicist Stanislaw Ulam, who worked on the development of the atomic bomb and proposed the general framework for NPP in 1946.
    Matthew S Williams, Interesting Engineering, 10 Jan. 2026
  • Her union is proposing a billionaire wealth tax to make up for massive federal healthcare spending cuts that are set to take place over the next decade, which will largely impact middle- and lower-income Californians.
    Max Darrow, CBS News, 10 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • Newsom’s interview Monday on MS NOW, the cable channel beloved by Democratic politicians and activist voters, implied anew that his final year as governor will be dominated by his all-but-certain bid for the White House in 2028.
    Dan Walters, Mercury News, 7 Jan. 2026
  • Experts, however, caution the situation is much more complicated than the president might imply, and oil stocks lost steam on Tuesday after their Monday rally, undoing some of the previous day’s gains.
    Rebecca Schneid, Time, 7 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • In a Facebook post, the CAIC advised skiers to be aware of areas with the highest avalanche danger.
    Christa Swanson, CBS News, 11 Jan. 2026
  • Last January, Navajo leaders advised citizens to carry their Certificate of Indian Blood or tribal identification card.
    Michael Loria, USA Today, 11 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • Most of the world's volcanoes that pose a risk to humans already have detailed maps of their interiors, but not Popocatépetl, despite the fact that some 25 million people live within a 62-mile radius and houses, schools, hospitals and five airports could be affected by an eruption.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 11 Jan. 2026
  • Officers also are prohibited from firing their weapons at people who pose only a threat to themselves, and cannot fire from a moving vehicle, unless in urgent circumstances.
    Kyle Werner, Des Moines Register, 10 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • SwitchBot has hinted that many key features will require a subscription, which puts it in line with competing AI wearables.
    Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 9 Jan. 2026
  • The Panthers hinted on Wednesday that Newton would be the one to hit the Keep Pounding drum pregame, something fans have clamored for all week.
    Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 8 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • Below, three interior designers share the color combos that look tacky today—plus offer modern alternatives.
    Sarah Lyon, The Spruce, 12 Jan. 2026
  • For her, the small acts help process loss and offer hope to others returning to empty lots.
    Sarah Alegre, FOXNews.com, 12 Jan. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Suggest.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/suggest. Accessed 13 Jan. 2026.

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