1
a
: a statement that expresses indirectly what one prefers not to say explicitly
had been dropping hints that he would like to be invited
b
: an indirect or general suggestion for how to do or solve something
helpful hints for inexperienced cooks
can't tell you the answer but can give you a hint
2
: a slight indication of the existence, approach, or nature of something : clue
gave only a hint of what was to come
3
: a very small amount : suggestion
with just a hint of spice
4
archaic
: opportunity, turn
hinted; hinting; hints
: to convey indirectly and by allusion rather than explicitly
a suspicion that she scarcely dared to hint
: to give an indirect suggestion or piece of evidence that leads one toward the solution of a problem : to give a hint
—usually used with at
hint at the answer
hinter
noun
Synonyms
Examples of hint in a Sentence
Noun
Her face gave me a hint of what she was thinking.
“I have a lot of work to do.” “OK, I'll leave. I can take a hint.”
The sauce has a subtle hint of garlic.
He had a hint of a German accent.
They'll betray you at the first hint of trouble.
Verb
I keep hinting, but she's not catching on. I think I need to be more direct.
The boss hinted about possible layoffs.
Recent Examples on the Web
Beatrice Zocchi, Vogue, 5 Nov. 2024
The decision will be followed by comments from Fed Chair Jerome Powell, which could provide hints about the Fed’s expectations for the economy and interest rates for the coming months.
—Jesse Pound,sawdah Bhaimiya, CNBC, 4 Nov. 2024
Dave Nemetz, TVLine, 2 Nov. 2024
That level of durability perhaps hints best at potential applications for the new engine—far more so than guesses about the possibility of a much less powerful Panigale V2 that would certainly leave Ducatisti disappointed.
—Michael Teo Van Runkle, Forbes, 31 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for hint 
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.
Noun
Born on TikTok, this is an ideal choice for fall/winter thanks to its cool undertones; deep berry hues offer a hint of blue that adds a head-turning pop to any autumnal beauty look.
—Beatrice Zocchi, Vogue, 5 Nov. 2024
The decision will be followed by comments from Fed Chair Jerome Powell, which could provide hints about the Fed’s expectations for the economy and interest rates for the coming months.
—Jesse Pound,sawdah Bhaimiya, CNBC, 4 Nov. 2024
Verb
The host even helped him out, hinting that the guy’s first name is Tim, but the contestant was still stumped.
—Dave Nemetz, TVLine, 2 Nov. 2024
That level of durability perhaps hints best at potential applications for the new engine—far more so than guesses about the possibility of a much less powerful Panigale V2 that would certainly leave Ducatisti disappointed.
—Michael Teo Van Runkle, Forbes, 31 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for hint
Dictionary Entries Near hint
Cite this Entry
“Hint.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hint. Accessed 26 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share