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

Here, Borgli only skims the surface, counting on subtext to imply that Charlie and Rachel have been forced to confront innate prejudices about their partners, who are both Black.

From Salon • Apr. 3, 2026

“Given expectations imply a Zyn recovery, fueled by the introduction of new products, we would see a delay as a negative for PM,” the Jefferies analysts wrote of the reported delay of the fast-track review.

From Barron's • Apr. 1, 2026

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

From MarketWatch • Mar. 25, 2026

In the months leading up to the U.S. and Israeli campaign, senior Arab officials say Araghchi flitted between openness, at times joining friendly dinners, and menacing by appearing to imply Iran might attack its neighbors.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 23, 2026

But then I do not mean to imply anything derogatory about Mr Farraday; he is, after all, an American gentleman and his ways are often very different.

From "The Remains of the Day" by Kazuo Ishiguro

Related Words

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