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 imminentWhen 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 jobWhen 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 dealingsWhen 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 eyeWhere 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 matterRecent Examples on the Web Then there’s the tone-deaf depiction of an Indigenous healer in traditional attire during gruesome passages that imply Jesús has been cursed since birth. — Carlos Aguilar, Variety, 30 Aug. 2024 No sponsorship, endorsement or authorization is intended or implied. — Outside Online, 28 Aug. 2024 Analysts’ average $204 price target, meanwhile, implies about 8% potential upside. — Pia Singh, CNBC, 18 Aug. 2024 On August 7th, Trump implied Kamala Harris used deep fake technology to fake rally crowds and accused her of election interference. — Sol Rashidi, Forbes, 17 Aug. 2024 See all Example Sentences for imply
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'imply.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
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