INTIMATE Synonyms: 205 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

intimate 1 of 3

adjective

ˈin-tə-mət

Definition of intimate next

as in close

closely acquainted intimate friends who can practically finish each other's sentences

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in confidential

not known or meant to be known by the general populace they trusted each other enough to share intimate thoughts

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

intimate

2 of 3

noun

ˈin-tə-mət

as in friend

a person who has a strong liking for and trust in another usually quite aloof in public, he's actually very relaxed with his intimates

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

intimate

3 of 3

verb

ˈin-tə-ˌmāt

as in to indicate

to convey an idea indirectly trying to intimate that there was more going on than anyone knew

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

Examples 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

Under the new offenses, anyone who takes an intimate image without consent faces up to two years’ custody. —

Georg Szalai, The Hollywood Reporter, 7 Jan. 2025 Whether engaging in solo play, prioritizing intimate moments with your partner, or simply exploring what brings you joy, this year is about claiming your right to feel good unapologetically. —

Dominique Fluker, Essence, 7 Jan. 2025

Noun

But, even with an iconic whimsical vibe, Free People actually offers a wide range of clothing, shoes, accessories and intimates. —

Kasey Caminiti, USA TODAY, 16 Oct. 2024 Another licensing partner, the IHL Group, singled out kids’ sleepwear and basics, women’s intimates and women’s sleepwear as popular categories, according to Shannon Spitzfaden, public relations and marketing manager. —

Rosemary Feitelberg, WWD, 6 Sep. 2024

Verb

Avs coach Jared Bednar also intimated that Jonathan Drouin and Miles Wood could be ready to return from injury as well. —

Corey Masisak, The Denver Post, 13 Nov. 2024 The documentary shares intimate new interviews with Williams reflecting on his life and career, as well as interviews with longtime collaborator, director Steven Spielberg, and many of his admirers, including J.J. Abrams and Coldplay's Chris Martin. —

EW.com, 2 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for intimate

Recent Examples of Synonyms for intimate

Adjective

Advertisement President Biden, who has a close relationship with Newsom, has pledged that the federal government will cover 100% of disaster assistance costs to California for the next 180 days.

Julia Wick, Los Angeles Times, 12 Jan. 2025
Top Canadian government officials say Trump's comments that Canada should become the 51st state are no longer a joke and are meant to undermine America's closest ally.

ROB GILLIES THE ASSOCIATED PRESS, arkansasonline.com, 11 Jan. 2025