suggestive
Americanadjective
-
that suggests; referring to other thoughts, persons, etc..
His recommendation was suggestive of his boss's thinking.
-
rich in suggestions or ideas.
a suggestive critical essay.
-
evocative; presented partially rather than in detail.
-
that suggests or implies something improper or indecent; risqué;
suggestive remarks.
adjective
-
conveying a hint (of something)
this painting is suggestive of a hot summer day
-
tending to suggest something improper or indecent
-
able or liable to suggest an idea, plan, etc
Usage
What are other ways to say suggestive? Something that is suggestive refers to other thoughts or persons. Do you know when to use suggestive over its synonyms expressive, meaningful, and significant? Find out on Thesaurus.com.
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of suggestive
Explanation
The adjective suggestive is useful when one thing indicates or hints at something else. Your constant yawning, for example, is suggestive of how tired you are. Scientists and researchers often use the word suggestive to describe results that indicate a strong possibility of something without decisively proving it: "This is suggestive evidence of life on other planets." Sometimes, suggestive is used to describe something inappropriate or obscene: "Parents always think popular music's lyrics are too suggestive." This meaning came about in the late 1800's, more than two hundred years after suggestive first appeared in the language from the verb suggest.
Vocabulary lists containing suggestive
Darius the Great Is Not Okay
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!
What If It's Us
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!
Last Night at the Telegraph Club
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.
Suggestive of music played for close friends, or even for a lover, the nocturnes get an even more intimate, meditative reinvention from Lisiecki, who said he regards them as pieces ideally to be played alone.
From New York Times • Aug. 13, 2021
Suggestive of Scottish winter skies and cosy nights by the fire?
From The Guardian • Oct. 28, 2019
Suggestive as it is of rage, not just a chronic case of the Eeyore blues, the striking word “seething” is a useful window into Letterman’s uniqueness.
From New York Times • Apr. 10, 2017
Suggestive both of innocence and coldness, his large eyes were perfect for film, as was the combination of little-boy pallor, sharp suit, razor-scar and Brylcreemed crest.
From The Guardian • Jul. 26, 2013
Suggestive of the quiet, heavy flight of the crow in a warm day.
From The Vision of Sir Launfal And Other Poems by James Russell Lowell; Edited with an Introduction and Notes by Julian W. Abernethy, PH.D. by Lowell, James Russell
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.
