hint

13 synonyms and 1 antonym for hint, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.

Noun — A small clue or suggestion that helps someone understand or guess something.

Synonyms

Everyday swaps

Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.

tip suggestion trace breath lead suggest

Less common

Still standard English, but they carry more weight.

clue pointer pinch

Rare, literary or technical

Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.

inkling intimation jot mite

Synonyms by Meaning

1. noun

A small clue or suggestion that helps someone understand or guess something.

“The teacher dropped a hint that the test would include fractions.”

clue tip pointer suggestion trace inkling breath pinch intimation jot lead mite

2. noun

A very small trace or amount of something.

“Her voice carried a hint of sadness as she waved goodbye.”

Opposites

oodles

3. verb

To suggest something indirectly, without saying it outright.

“She hinted that dinner might be a surprise this evening.”

suggest

How to use hint

The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.

take a hint drop a hint a hint of

Etymology

From Middle English henten ("to seize, grasp"), related to "hunt."

Full origin of hint →

Frequently asked questions

What does “hint” mean?

The word “hint” means a small clue or suggestion that helps someone understand or guess something. In plain terms, a small clue you give or notice, or the act of suggesting something without saying it directly.

How do you pronounce “hint”?

“Hint” is pronounced hihnt (/hɪnt/ in IPA).

How do you use “hint” in a sentence?

Here is “hint” used in a sentence: “She gave me a hint about what he was getting for his birthday.”

What part of speech is “hint”?

Depending on how it is used, “hint” can be a noun and a verb.

Where does the word “hint” come from?

The word “hint” comes from Middle English. From Middle English henten ("to seize, grasp"), related to "hunt.".

Is “hint” a common word?

“Hint” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.

How many meanings does “hint” have?

“Hint” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a small clue or suggestion that helps someone understand or guess something.

What is the difference between a hint and a clue?

Both help someone reach an answer, but a clue is usually a piece of evidence found in a situation, such as a mystery or a puzzle, while a hint is a small suggestion deliberately given by a person. In short, you find clues, but people drop hints.

Do you say "hint at" or "hint about" something?

The standard collocation is "hint at": "She hinted at major changes." Hint can also be followed directly by a that-clause, as in "He hinted that he might resign"; "hint about" is heard in casual speech, but "hint at" is far more common in edited writing.

What do "drop a hint" and "take a hint" mean?

To drop a hint is to suggest something indirectly rather than saying it outright, and to take a hint is to notice and act on that indirect suggestion. The second phrase often appears in the negative — "he just can't take a hint" — meaning someone fails to pick up on an obvious signal.

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lead suggest tip breath suggestion trace clue pinch pointer intimation jot mite

Nearby words

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