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Synonyms

suggestive

American  
[suhg-jes-tiv, suh-] / səgˈdʒɛs tɪv, sə- /

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 British  
/ 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

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

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

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

Etymology

Origin of suggestive

First recorded in 1625–35; suggest + -ive

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.

While this doesn’t mean dividends are unsustainable, “it nonetheless is suggestive of strains,” the firm added.

From Barron's • Apr. 7, 2026

Consultant gynaecologist Donna Ghosh, said: "What we're really focusing on is reducing the delay in diagnosis. Patients who are suffering from symptoms that are suggestive of endometriosis will reach that diagnosis sooner."

From BBC • Mar. 11, 2026

For example, errors in memory or suggestive questioning during eyewitness interviews can influence how events are remembered.

From Science Daily • Mar. 11, 2026

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

From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 24, 2025

But nevertheless familiar, and suggestive of the peculiar creative energies of my hometown.

From "Middlesex: A Novel" by Jeffrey Eugenides