suggest

[ suhg-jest, suh- ]

verb (used with object)

1. to mention or introduce (an idea, proposition, plan, etc.) for consideration or possible action:

   The architect suggested that the building be restored.

2. to propose (a person or thing) as suitable or possible for some purpose:

   We suggested him for president.

   Synonyms: advise, recommend

3. (of things) to prompt the consideration, making, doing, etc., of:

   The glove suggests that she was at the scene of the crime.

4. to bring before a person's mind indirectly or without plain expression:

   I didn't tell him to leave, I only suggested it.

   Synonyms: imply, indicate

5. to call (something) up in the mind through association or natural connection of ideas:

   The music suggests a still night.

suggest

/ səɡˈdʒɛst; səˈdʒɛst /

verb

1. to put forward (a plan, idea, etc) for consideration

   I suggest Smith for the post

   a plan suggested itself

2. to evoke (a person, thing, etc) in the mind of someone by the association of ideas

   that painting suggests home to me

3. to give an indirect or vague hint of

   his face always suggests his peace of mind

Derived Forms

• sugˈgester, noun

Other Words From

• sug·gested·ness noun
• sug·gester noun
• sug·gesting·ly adverb
• presug·gest verb (used with object)
• unsug·gested adjective
• unsug·gesting adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of suggest¹

First recorded in 1520–30; from Latin suggestus (past participle of suggerere “to build up, supply, hint, suggest”), equivalent to sug- sug- + ges- (past participle stem of gerere “to carry, do, display”) + -tus past participle suffix

Word History and Origins

Origin of suggest¹

C16: from Latin suggerere to bring up, from sub- + gerere to bring

Synonym Study

See hint.

Example Sentences

None of this — timing included — suggests an apolitical approach to the position.

From Washington Post

Some observers have suggested it may happen but once in each Langsdorffia’s life.

From Science News For Students

The “Wonder Woman 1984” postponement suggests Hollywood’s fall may go little better than its summer.

From Fortune

At the same time, he suggested that podcasting is a very different market.

From TechCrunch

“The evidence suggests that one or more vaccines will be available to the public in the fourth quarter this year or early next year,” Hui said.

From Fortune

Certain features of its history suggest why this may be the case.

From The Daily Beast

Those who have watched anti-gay groups closely suggest that there will be two major strategic shifts in their strategy.

From The Daily Beast

But Goff called it “insulting” to suggest that he might be running a super PAC for personal gain.

From The Daily Beast

We might even see data that suggest the program is performing efficiently.

From The Daily Beast

They suggest acupuncture and counseling to work on these deeper issues.

From The Daily Beast

That woman meant mischief, or she would never have dared to suggest that a British officer should throw in his lot with hers.

From Project Gutenberg

On some future occasion I may suggest how you may successfully perform your duties in your new position.

From Project Gutenberg

It simply finds relation already existing between the words or the ideas which the words suggest or evoke.

From Project Gutenberg

"I will use any word you think more adequate, madame, if you will suggest it," he answered tartly.

From Project Gutenberg

And I would respectfully suggest that this interview must definitely terminate the matter one way or the other.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• advise
• advocate
• offer
• propose
• put
• recommend
• submit