Clue — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

noun verb /ˈklü/

Meaning & Definition of Clue

Clue (noun)

  1. something that guides through an intricate procedure or maze of difficulties; specifically, a piece of evidence that leads toward the solution of a problem
  2. idea, notion

Clue (verb)

  1. to provide with a clue
  2. to give reliable information to

Clue (noun) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. a slight or indirect pointing to something (as a solution or explanation)

    "vainly searched for a clue to the answer"

    similar: cue, hint, indication, inkling, intimation, lead, suggestion
    related: breath, flicker, glimmer, glimpse, mention, scent, whiff, wind, hunch, idea, inspiration, notion, allusion, implication, inference, innuendo, insinuation, denotation, evidence, guidepost, key, mark, overtone, pointer, sign, signal, telltale, token, assistance, nod, prompt, tip, tip-off, wink, feeling, foreboding, intuition, premonition, presentiment, suspicion, augury, foreshadower, foretaste, harbinger, omen, portent, prefigurement, presage, symptom
    near: answer, solution

Clue (verb) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. as in tell, inform

    similar: acquaint, advise, apprise, brief, enlighten, familiarize, fill in, inform, instruct, notify, tell, wise (up), get through (to), buzz, call, phone, ring (up) (chiefly British), telephone, address, communicate (with), contact, get, reach, keep up (with)

Related Entry: Clue (in) (verb)

Clue (in) is a different word from Clue. The synonyms below are for clue (in), not for clue.

  1. to give information to

    "would you clue him in on the plan?"

    similar: acquaint, advise, apprise, brief, catch up, clear, enlighten, familiarize, fill in, hip, inform, instruct, tell, verse, wise (up), keep (someone) posted, let someone know
    related: advertise, alert, notify, announce (to), disclose (to), assure, certify, convince, reassure, warrant, educate, lecture, school, teach, tutor, disabuse, disenchant, disillusion, undeceive
    near: misinform, mislead

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Clue

The most common words with a similar meaning to Clue:

Chiefly British: ring (up)
cue, hint, indication, inkling, intimation, lead, suggestion, acquaint, advise, apprise, brief, enlighten, familiarize, fill in, inform, instruct, notify, tell, wise (up), get through (to), buzz, call, phone, telephone, address, communicate (with), contact, get, reach, keep up (with)

Related Words for Clue

breath, flicker, glimmer, glimpse, mention, scent, whiff, wind, hunch, idea, inspiration, notion, allusion, implication, inference, innuendo, insinuation, denotation, evidence, guidepost, key, mark, overtone, pointer, sign, signal, telltale, token, assistance, nod

Near Antonyms of Clue

answer, solution

Word Forms of Clue

Inflections: clued, clueing, cluing

Origin & Etymology of Clue

alteration of clew

First known use: circa 1665

Vocabulary Lists & Topics for Clue

Words & Phrases Containing Clue

clue in, don't have a clue

Frequently Asked Questions about Clue

What does "Clue" mean?

"Clue" means something that guides through an intricate procedure or maze of difficulties; specifically, a piece of evidence that leads toward the solution of a problem. As an a noun and a verb, it is defined as: something that guides through an intricate procedure or maze of difficulties; specifically, a piece of evidence that leads toward the solution of a problem. It has 2 distinct senses.

What is another word for "Clue"?

Other words for "Clue" include cue, hint, indication, inkling, intimation, lead, suggestion and acquaint. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Clue" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Clue"?

There are 80 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Clue". Common alternatives include cue, hint, indication, inkling, intimation, lead, suggestion, acquaint, advise and apprise.

How do you use "Clue" in a sentence?

Examples of "Clue" in a sentence: "vainly searched for a clue to the answer".

Is "Clue" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Clue" can be used as a noun and a verb, depending on the context.

Is "Clue" useful for IELTS, TOEFL, and other English exams?

As a B2-level word, "Clue" is typical of Cambridge B2 First (FCE), IELTS band 5.5–6.5, TOEFL iBT 72–94, PTE Academic 59–75, TOEIC Listening & Reading 785+.

How do you pronounce "Clue"?

"Clue" is pronounced /ˈklü/.

What is the origin of the word "Clue"?

"Clue" comes from alteration of clew. First known use: circa 1665.