indicate
11 synonyms and 1 antonym for indicate, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Verb — To point out or show; to make something known.
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
contraindicate
How to use indicate
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
indicate a preference
results indicate
indicate left/right
Etymology
From Latin indicare, "to point out," from in- ("toward") + dicare ("to proclaim, declare").
Full origin of indicate →Frequently asked questions
What does “indicate” mean?
The word “indicate” means to point out or show; to make something known. In plain terms, to point to, show, or suggest something.
How do you pronounce “indicate”?
“Indicate” is pronounced IHN-dih-kayt (/ˈɪndɪˌkeɪt/ in IPA).
How do you use “indicate” in a sentence?
Here is “indicate” used in a sentence: “The arrow indicates which way to go.”
What part of speech is “indicate”?
“Indicate” is a verb.
Where does the word “indicate” come from?
The word “indicate” comes from Latin. From Latin indicare, "to point out," from in- ("toward") + dicare ("to proclaim, declare").
Is “indicate” a common word?
“Indicate” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A2 level.
How many meanings does “indicate” have?
“Indicate” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to point out or show; to make something known.
What is the difference between "indicate" and "imply"?
"Indicate" means to point out or show something clearly and directly, as in "the sign indicates the exit." "Imply" means to suggest something indirectly without stating it outright. Indication is more explicit, while implication is more subtle.
What is the difference between "indicate" and "signal" when driving?
In British English, "indicate" specifically means using a car's flashing lights to show you intend to turn or change lanes. "Signal" is a broader term that can include indicating, hand gestures, or other warnings. Americans typically say "use your turn signal" rather than "indicate."
Is "indicate" formal or informal?
"Indicate" is fairly formal and common in writing, reports, and technical or academic contexts. In casual speech, people often say "show," "point to," or "suggest" instead. It carries a neutral, factual tone.
