imply
To suggest something without actually saying it.
imply in a sentence
- She did not imply that anyone had cheated, only that the score looked odd.
- A long pause can imply doubt just as clearly as words can.
Try an 11+ style question
Verbal reasoning papers often ask about a word like this.
Which word is closest in meaning to imply?
- Astate
- Bannounce
- Csuggest
- Ddeclare
Show the answer
C: suggest. The other three mean the opposite of imply.
Which word is most nearly opposite in meaning to imply?
- Ahint
- Bsuggest
- Cstate
- Dsignal
Show the answer
C: state. The other three mean nearly the same as imply.
Words that mean something similar
suggest, hint, signal
Words that mean the opposite
state, declare, announce
More words about speech & sound
- inaudible: So quiet that it cannot be heard.
- indicate: To show or point out where something is, or what is meant.
- interrogate: To ask someone lots of questions, often in a strict way, to find something out.
- jargon: The special words used by a group, which are hard for outsiders to understand.
- jeer: To laugh at someone in a mean, mocking way.
- kerfuffle: A noisy fuss or commotion about something.
- lyrical: Expressed in a beautiful, song-like way.
- mimic: To copy someone's voice or actions, often for fun.
More words to explore
Sitting the 11+ in Kent, Medway or Buckinghamshire?
Plain-English guides to each test, from the councils’ own pages: Kent Test · Medway Test · Bucks Secondary Transfer Test