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 But that would imply that there may be something subtle or veiled at work. Andrew C. McCarthy, National Review, 31 May 2025 Location Slam balls, as their name implies, are often thrown against the floor or walls. Bestreviews, Mercury News, 30 May 2025 Several outlets went so far as to declare that Bieber is a billionaire now, implying that the announcement of this deal triggered a direct deposit of a 10-digit figure into her checking account. Allure Editors, Allure, 30 May 2025 Unlike his small-time Israeli rivals, the placards implied, Netanyahu was a savvy statesman who punched above his weight on the international stage, thanks to his unaccented English oratory and ability to inveigle the world’s most powerful people. Yair Rosenberg, The Atlantic, 22 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for imply
Recent Examples of Synonyms for imply
Verb
  • Generally, during the summer months, dew points of 55 degrees or lower indicate a dry and comfortable feel.
    Robert A. Cronkleton, Kansas City Star, 30 May 2025
  • In previous years, rent also rose faster in these areas compared with the rest of the county, but the gap grew post-fires, which experts said indicates the fires are the likely cause.
    Phi Do, Los Angeles Times, 30 May 2025
Verb
  • Though, in the past, Lee has made comments critical of past U.S. foreign policy and appeared to suggest South Korea’s strategic neutrality in the great power rivalry between Washington and Beijing, in this campaign Lee has reaffirmed his support behind the U.S.-South Korea alliance.
    Jong Eun Lee, The Conversation, 29 May 2025
  • But Jake Elman of Athlon Sports proposed one eye-catching trade that the Bronx Bombers might pull off, suggesting the Yankees negotiate for Toronto Blue Jays pitcher Max Scherzer.
    Peter Chawaga, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 May 2025
Verb
  • Of course, Brooklyn still has another month to go, but the fact that prices are rising in the face of rising supply and a weakening market environment hints that Brooklyn may be quietly rebounding.
    John Walkup, Forbes.com, 3 June 2025
  • White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters at Tuesday’s briefing that Vought would continue to cut spending, hinting that there could be additional efforts to return funds.
    Josh Boak, Los Angeles Times, 3 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Imply.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/imply. Accessed 10 Jun. 2025.

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