Another word for suggest
The best other words for suggest are propose, imply, betray and recommend.
- Most formal
- betoken, propose, recommend
- Strongest
- recommend, advise, insinuate
- Casual
- float, hint, smack of
- Instead of “strongly suggest”
- indicate, imply, show
Suggest /səˈdʒest/ (verb): To mention an idea, plan, or possibility for someone to consider, or to indicate something indirectly. In simple words: to make an idea, clue, or hint known. Below are 21 rated synonyms across 3 senses, plus 23 more related words. Tap a chip for its nuance and an example.
22 synonyms shown
Propose an idea · verb
put forward for consideration
Indicate indirectly · verb
show or imply without stating plainly
Point toward · verb
make something seem likely or evident
Find the right strength and register
Drag the amber target to how strong and how formal you need the word to be. The three closest synonyms light up.
You asked for: equal strength, neutral register
- put forward — emphasizes presenting an idea
- propose — more deliberate and formal than suggest
- offer — softer, often as a helpful contribution
The dashed ring marks “suggest” itself: neutral strength, neutral register.
Synonyms for suggest in your sentence
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How to choose
Choose suggest when you want to sound open-ended or indirect. Use propose or recommend for a more definite, committed stance, and use imply or hint when the meaning is not stated openly.
Antonyms of suggest
- demand
- state directly
- deny
- contradict
- conceal
- hide
All synonyms at a glance
| Synonym | Strength | Formality | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| propose | 3/5 | formal | academic, business, creative |
| recommend | 4/5 | formal | academic, business, casual |
| advise | 4/5 | formal | academic, business, casual |
| put forward | 3/5 | neutral | academic, business |
| offer | 2/5 | neutral | academic, business, casual |
| float | 2/5 | casual | business, casual |
| hint at | 1/5 | neutral | academic, creative, casual |
| broach | 2/5 | formal | business, casual |
| imply | 3/5 | neutral | academic, business, casual |
| insinuate | 4/5 | formal | academic, business, creative |
| hint | 2/5 | casual | casual, creative, business |
| allude to | 2/5 | formal | academic, creative |
| evoke | 2/5 | formal | academic, creative |
| indicate | 3/5 | neutral | academic, business |
| betoken | 2/5 | academic | academic, creative |
| smack of | 3/5 | casual | casual, business |
| point to | 3/5 | neutral | academic, business, casual |
| signal | 3/5 | neutral | academic, business, casual |
| show | 3/5 | casual | casual, business |
| reveal | 4/5 | neutral | academic, business, creative |
| betray | 3/5 | formal | academic, creative |
Instead of “very suggest”
One precise word usually beats an intensifier. See the full words instead of “very” list.
| Instead of | Try |
|---|---|
| strongly suggest | indicate, imply, show |
| heavily suggest | strongly imply, clearly indicate, point strongly to |
| suggests that | implies that, shows that, indicates that |
More words related to suggest
Looser matches and phrases, unrated. Check the sense before you swap one in, or compare it with “suggest”.
- advocate
- urge
- counsel
- opine
- put forth
- lay before
- bring up
- mention
- raise
- introduce
- allude
- intimate
- infer
- call to mind
- bring to mind
- evince
- point toward
- lean toward
- bespeak
- bode
- forecast
- foreshadow
- portend
Questions about synonyms for suggest
What is the most formal or academic alternative to suggest?
For an idea put forward in formal writing, propose is usually the best choice. In academic prose, indicate or allude to can fit when you mean an indirect clue rather than a recommendation.
What is a stronger alternative to suggest?
Recommend is stronger because it clearly endorses a choice. Advise is also stronger, especially when the speaker has authority or expertise.
What is a milder alternative to suggest?
Hint is milder and more indirect than suggest, and float is also soft and tentative. These work well when you want to avoid sounding pushy or definite.
What is a stronger word for suggest?
For a stronger meaning, use words like "imply," "insinuate," or "indicate," depending on the context. "Propose" or "recommend" work when you mean to put forward an idea directly.
What is a more professional word for suggest?
In formal writing, "propose," "recommend," and "indicate" are common choices. The best replacement depends on whether you mean to offer an idea, give advice, or point to evidence.