suggestion
Americannoun
-
the act of suggesting.
-
the state of being suggested.
-
something suggested, as a piece of advice.
We made the suggestion that she resign.
-
a slight trace.
He speaks with a suggestion of a foreign accent.
-
the calling up in the mind of one idea by another by virtue of some association or of some natural connection between the ideas.
-
the idea thus called up.
-
Psychology.
-
the process of inducing a thought, sensation, or action in a receptive person without using persuasion and without giving rise to reflection in the recipient.
-
the thought, sensation, or action induced in this way.
-
noun
-
something that is suggested
-
a hint or indication
a suggestion of the odour of violets
-
psychol the process whereby the mere presentation of an idea to a receptive individual leads to the acceptance of that idea See also autosuggestion
Usage
What does suggestion mean?
A suggestion is a proposal, piece of advice, or idea for consideration.
Suggestion is the noun form the verb suggest. Suggestion is often used with the verbs offer and make, as in the common question, Can I make a suggestion?
In psychology, suggestion has a more specific meaning: the process in which the mere presentation of an idea to a receptive person leads to the acceptance of that idea.
Example: After explaining his new business plan, Tom told his colleagues that he was open to suggestions and other feedback.
Related Words
See advice.
Other Word Forms
- countersuggestion noun
- nonsuggestion noun
- presuggestion noun
- self-suggestion noun
Etymology
Origin of suggestion
First recorded in 1300–50; Middle English suggestio(u)n “incitement to evil,” from Medieval Latin suggestiōn-, stem of suggestiō, Latin: “addition, hint”; equivalent to suggest + -ion
Explanation
A suggestion is an idea someone proposes. You can accept or reject a suggestion. When someone gives an order — like in the military — it has to be carried out. On the other hand, a suggestion is an idea that's optional. At a restaurant, a waiter may make a suggestion of a good soup. A friend could make a suggestion of a fun movie. If you're new in town, you might ask for suggestions of good neighborhoods. Suggestions are ideas that can be taken or rejected; it’s up to the person who receives the suggestion.
Vocabulary lists containing suggestion
The SAT: Language of the Test, List 2
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
PARCC: Language of the Test (Grade 11)
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
The New SAT: The Language of the Test
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Yet the suggestion that the company should be focused on promoting the AI positives drew protests from within OpenAI.
From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 18, 2026
Vrabel said in the same article: “Those photos show a completely innocent interaction and any suggestion otherwise is laughable.”
From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 14, 2026
Swalwell has denied the allegation, calling it “flat false” and rejecting any suggestion of wrongdoing.
From Salon • Apr. 11, 2026
But she went even further in a separate video shared on social media, slamming the first lady's suggestion.
From BBC • Apr. 10, 2026
“I judged by your countenance, sir, which was troubled when you said the suggestion had returned upon you. I feel sure it will work you more misery if you listen to it.”
From "Jane Eyre" by Charlotte Brontë
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
