imply
5 synonyms and 1 antonyms for imply, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Verb — To suggest something indirectly without stating it outright.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Antonyms
How to use imply
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Old French emplier, from Latin implicare ("to infold, involve"). A doublet of employ and implicate.
Full origin of imply →Frequently asked questions
What does “imply” mean?
The word “imply” means to suggest something indirectly without stating it outright. In plain terms, to hint at something without saying it directly, or for one thing to logically lead to another.
How do you pronounce “imply”?
“Imply” is pronounced ihm-PLEYE (/ɪmˈplaɪ/ in IPA).
How do you use “imply” in a sentence?
Here is “imply” used in a sentence: “Are you implying that I made a mistake?”
What is the opposite of “imply”?
The opposite of “imply” — its antonyms — is NIMPLY.
What part of speech is “imply”?
“Imply” is a verb.
Where does the word “imply” come from?
The word “imply” comes from Latin. From Old French emplier, from Latin implicare ("to infold, involve"). A doublet of employ and implicate.
Is “imply” a common word?
“Imply” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
How many meanings does “imply” have?
“Imply” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to suggest something indirectly without stating it outright.
What is the difference between imply and infer?
Imply means to suggest something indirectly without stating it outright, and it is done by the speaker or writer. Infer means to draw a conclusion from evidence or from what someone else has said, and it is done by the listener or reader, so a speaker implies while a listener infers.
What is the difference between imply and state?
Imply means to suggest a meaning indirectly, leaving the audience to work it out, while state means to say something directly and explicitly. A statement that implies something leaves room for interpretation, whereas a statement that states something leaves no doubt.
Can imply mean to lead logically to a conclusion?
Yes, imply also has a logical sense meaning that one fact necessarily leads to or requires another as a consequence, such as when a set of conditions implies a particular result. This use is common in reasoning, mathematics, and formal arguments.