imply

American  

[im-plahy] / ɪmˈplaɪ /

verb (used with object)

implied, implying

1. to indicate or suggest without being explicitly stated.

   His words implied a lack of faith.

2. (of words) to signify or mean.

3. to involve as a necessary circumstance.

   Speech implies a speaker.

   Synonyms:

   demand, require

4. Obsolete. to enfold.

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imply British  

/ ɪmˈplaɪ /

verb

1. to express or indicate by a hint; suggest

   what are you implying by that remark?

2. to suggest or involve as a necessary consequence

3. logic to enable (a conclusion) to be inferred

4. obsolete to entangle or enfold

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Usage

See infer.

Other Word Forms

• reimply verb (used with object)
• superimply verb (used with object)

Etymology

Origin of imply

First recorded in 1325–75; Middle English implien, emplien, from Middle French emplier, from Latin implicāre; implicate

Example Sentences

“A deterioration there could imply that the three years plus of a supportive macro backdrop for markets is coming to an end.”

From Barron's • Mar. 27, 2026

Markets imply a quarter-point rate increase within six months and up to 100 basis points over the next year.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 27, 2026

Analyst estimates imply growth, but they might not be enough to move shares.

From Barron's • Mar. 27, 2026

So its current record-bearish status doesn’t necessarily imply that a bear market is imminent.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 25, 2026

And contrary to countless barroom conversations, the law of large numbers doesn’t imply the gambler’s fallacy: that a head is more likely after a string of tails.

From "Innumeracy: Mathematical Illiteracy and Its Consequences" by John Allen Paulos

Related Words

• entail
• hint
• involve
• mention
• signify
• suggest