Imply — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

verb /im-ˈplī/ im·ply

Meaning & Definition of Imply

Imply (verb)

  1. to express indirectly
  2. to involve or indicate by inference, association, or necessary consequence rather than by direct statement
  3. to contain potentially

Imply (verb) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. to convey an idea indirectly

    "they may have implied that they'd help, but they didn't actually say so"

    similar: allude, hint, indicate, infer, insinuate, intimate, suggest
    related: advert, mention, point, refer, signal, signalize, signify, smack (of), smell (of)
    near: announce, declare, proclaim, elucidate, explain, spell out, delineate, describe

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Imply

The most common words with a similar meaning to Imply:

allude, hint, indicate, infer, insinuate, intimate, suggest

Related Words for Imply

advert, mention, point, refer, signal, signalize, signify, smack (of), smell (of)

Near Antonyms of Imply

announce, declare, proclaim, elucidate, explain, spell out, delineate, describe

Word Forms of Imply

Inflections: implied, implying

Origin & Etymology of Imply

Middle English implien, emplien "to enfold, surround, entangle, involve by inference, contain implicitly," borrowed from Anglo-French emplier, implier "to involve by inference, entail," probably adaptation of emplier (variant of empleier, emploier "to entangle, put to use, employ:1") as a vernacular equivalent of Medieval Latin implicāre "to imply, mean by implication," modeled on parallel verbs in Middle English, as applien "to apply," replien "to reply:1" and their correspondents in Anglo-French implicate

First known use: 14th century

Vocabulary Lists & Topics for Imply

Frequently Asked Questions about Imply

What does "Imply" mean?

"Imply" means to express indirectly. As a verb, it is defined as: to express indirectly.

What is another word for "Imply"?

Other words for "Imply" include allude, hint, indicate, infer, insinuate, intimate and suggest. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Imply" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Imply"?

There are 16 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Imply". Common alternatives include allude, hint, indicate, infer, insinuate, intimate and suggest.

How do you use "Imply" in a sentence?

Examples of "Imply" in a sentence: "they may have implied that they'd help, but they didn't actually say so".

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

"Imply" is a verb.

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

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

"Imply" is pronounced /im-ˈplī/ and divided into syllables as im·ply.

What is the origin of the word "Imply"?

"Imply" comes from Middle English implien, emplien "to enfold, surround, entangle, involve by inference, contain implicitly," borrowed from Anglo-French emplier, implier "to involve by inference, entail," probably adaptation of emplier (variant of empleier, emploier "to entangle, put to use, employ:1") as a vernacular equivalent of Medieval Latin implicāre "to imply, mean by implication," modeled on parallel verbs in Middle English, as applien "to apply," replien "to reply:1" and their correspondents in Anglo-French implicate. First known use: 14th century.