Implication — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

noun /ˌim-plə-ˈkā-shən/ im·pli·ca·tion

Meaning & Definition of Implication

Implication (noun)

  1. something implied
  2. a possible significance or future effect —usually plural
  3. suggestion

Implication (noun) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. an idea that is conveyed often indirectly

    "He took issue with the implication that he could not be trusted with the assignment."

    similar: clue, cue, hint, indication, inkling, intimation, suggestion, allusion, inference, innuendo, insinuation, message, connotation, bottom, essence, essentiality, nature, soul, spirit, stuff, burden, crux, gist, core, heart, kernel, marrow, nub, nucleus, pith, point, quick, matter, motif, motive, question, subject, topic, content, denotation, drift, import, intent, intention, meaning, purport, sense, significance, signification

  2. a future condition or occurrence traceable to a cause

    "They were concerned with the possible implications of the new legislation."

    similar: ramification, denouement, echo, repercussion, afterclap, afterglow, aftershock, blowback, by-product, fallout, offshoot, ripple, side effect, spin-off, aftereffect, aftermath, backwash, child, conclusion, consequence, corollary, development, effect, fate, fruit, issue, outcome, outgrowth, precipitate, product, result, resultant, sequel, sequence, upshot
    opposite: consideration, determinant, factor, base, basis, foundation, ground, groundwork, impetus, incentive, inspiration, instigation, stimulus, mother, origin, root, source, spring, antecedent, causation, cause, occasion, reason

  3. a formal claim of criminal wrongdoing against a person

    "Employees were shocked by the implication of the company's CEO in the crime."

    similar: accusation, allegation, plea, crimination, counteraccusation, countercharge, arraignment, impeachment, censure, condemnation, denunciation, recrimination, charge, complaint, count, indictment, rap

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Implication

The most common words with a similar meaning to Implication:

clue, cue, hint, indication, inkling, intimation, suggestion, allusion, inference, innuendo, insinuation, message, connotation, bottom, essence, essentiality, nature, soul, spirit, stuff, burden, crux, gist, core, heart, kernel, marrow, nub, nucleus, pith, point, quick, matter, motif, motive, question, subject, topic, content, denotation

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Implication

Words with the opposite meaning of Implication:

consideration, determinant, factor, base, basis, foundation, ground, groundwork, impetus, incentive, inspiration, instigation, stimulus, mother, origin, root, source, spring, antecedent, causation, cause, occasion, reason

Word Forms of Implication

Derived words: implicative (adjective), implicatively (adverb), implicativeness (noun)

Origin & Etymology of Implication

Middle English implicacioun "complication, complexity," borrowed from Anglo-French & Medieval Latin; Anglo-French implicacion "act of implying," borrowed from Medieval Latin implicātiōn-, implicātiō "entanglement, act of implying something, statement with implicit meaning," going back to Latin, "action of weaving in, intricacy," from implicāre "to fold about itself, entwine, involve" + -tiōn-, -tiō, suffix of verbal action implicate

First known use: 15th century

Vocabulary Lists & Topics for Implication

Frequently Asked Questions about Implication

What does "Implication" mean?

"Implication" means something implied. As a noun, it is defined as: something implied. It has 3 distinct senses.

What is another word for "Implication"?

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

What are different ways to say "Implication"?

There are 101 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Implication". Common alternatives include clue, cue, hint, indication, inkling, intimation, suggestion, allusion, inference and innuendo.

What is the opposite of "Implication"?

Antonyms of "Implication" include consideration, determinant, factor, base, basis, foundation, ground and groundwork.

How do you use "Implication" in a sentence?

Examples of "Implication" in a sentence: "He took issue with the implication that he could not be trusted with the assignment."; "They were concerned with the possible implications of the new legislation."; "Employees were shocked by the implication of the company's CEO in the crime.".

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

"Implication" is a noun.

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

As a B2-level word, "Implication" 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 "Implication"?

"Implication" is pronounced /ˌim-plə-ˈkā-shən/ and divided into syllables as im·pli·ca·tion.