IMPLY Synonyms: 24 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'imply' distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of imply are hint , insinuate , intimate , and suggest . While all these words mean "to convey an idea indirectly," 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: When is it sensible to use 'hint' instead of 'imply'?

The words hint and imply are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, hint implies the use of slight or remote suggestion with a minimum of overt statement. // hinted that she might get the job

Q: When can 'insinuate' be used instead of 'imply'?

The synonyms insinuate and imply are sometimes interchangeable, but insinuate applies to the conveying of a usually unpleasant idea in a sly underhanded manner. // insinuated that there were shady dealings

Q: When could 'intimate' be used to replace 'imply'?

Although the words intimate and imply have much in common, intimate stresses delicacy of suggestion without connoting any lack of candor. // intimates that there is more to the situation than meets the eye

Q: Where would 'suggest' be a reasonable alternative to 'imply'?

While in some cases nearly identical to imply , 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

imply

verb

im-ˈplī

Definition of imply next

as in to indicate

to convey an idea indirectly they may have implied that they'd help, but they didn't actually say so

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How is the word imply distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of imply are hint, insinuate, intimate, and suggest. While all these words mean "to convey an idea indirectly," 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 it sensible to use hint instead of imply?

The words hint and imply are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, hint implies the use of slight or remote suggestion with a minimum of overt statement.

hinted that she might get the job

When can insinuate be used instead of imply?

The synonyms insinuate and imply are sometimes interchangeable, but insinuate applies to the conveying of a usually unpleasant idea in a sly underhanded manner.

insinuated that there were shady dealings

When could intimate be used to replace imply?

Although the words intimate and imply have much in common, intimate stresses delicacy of suggestion without connoting any lack of candor.

intimates that there is more to the situation than meets the eye

Where would suggest be a reasonable alternative to imply?

While in some cases nearly identical to imply, 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 imply As the name implies, RedNote is a Chinese social media app that allows people to share text, photo or video posts, as well as shopping. —

Andrew Sheeler, Sacramento Bee, 16 Jan. 2025 The incident implied that lawmakers were complicit in the development and deployment of Lumon’s technology, which is controversial among the general public. —

Inkoo Kang, The New Yorker, 10 Jan. 2025 Does this imply that the labor market will remain solid throughout 2025? —

Harry Holzer, Forbes, 10 Jan. 2025 From here, analysts’ average 12-month price target of roughly $73 implies about 19% potential upside. —

Sean Conlon, CNBC, 9 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for imply

Recent Examples of Synonyms for imply

Verb

The OpenAI spokesperson indicated the White House may get involved in the dispute.

— Kevin Collier, NBC News, 30 Jan. 2025
Harris indicated Wednesday the Tigers may not be done adding to their bullpen, leaving the door open for someone else to enter the picture as a clear ninth-inning option.

— Cody Stavenhagen, The Athletic, 30 Jan. 2025