suggestive

[suhg-jes-tiv, suh-]

adjective

1. that suggests; referring to other thoughts, persons, etc..

   His recommendation was suggestive of his boss's thinking.

2. rich in suggestions or ideas.

   a suggestive critical essay.

3. evocative; presented partially rather than in detail.

4. that suggests or implies something improper or indecent; risqué;

   suggestive remarks.

suggestive

/ səˈdʒɛstɪv /

adjective

1. conveying a hint (of something)

   this painting is suggestive of a hot summer day

2. tending to suggest something improper or indecent

3. able or liable to suggest an idea, plan, etc

Other Word Forms

• suggestively adverb
• suggestiveness noun
• nonsuggestive adjective
• nonsuggestively adverb
• nonsuggestiveness noun
• presuggestive adjective
• unsuggestive adjective
• unsuggestively adverb
• unsuggestiveness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of suggestive¹

First recorded in 1625–35; suggest + -ive

Example Sentences

Just two years later, he was arrested again for insulting Islam with a Lunar New Year video that featured dancers wearing dog masks and performing suggestive moves.

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But cultural traditions remain and belly dancing, despite being a centuries-old art form, retains the stigma of being too suggestive.

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Also evident here is his preternatural gift for widescreen compositions, as he uses negative space to suggestive effect and often incorporates telling details at the edges of the frame.

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His book reveals the amazing transformation of a young man into a fully formed writer, endowed with a concise yet suggestive style.

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The evidence for both near-death experiences and childhood memories of previous lives is persuasive in terms of the credibility of the sources and verified facts, but much of it is strongly suggestive instead of dispositive.

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Related Words

• erotic 
• indecent 
• obscene 
• off-color 
• provocative 
• racy 
• rude 
• seductive 
• sexy 

When To Use

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.