DictionaryAI

suggest

verb
suhg-JEST/sə(ɡ)ˈd͡ʒɛst/UKsuh-JEST/səˈd͡ʒɛst/

Formssuggests, suggesting, suggested

4 meanings of suggest

Practice

  1. 1
    proposeverbtransitive
    To mention an idea or plan so others can think about it, often to recommend it.

    Like raising your hand to offer an idea the whole group can talk about.

    I suggest a short break before we start the next task.

    She suggested a new place for lunch.

    UsageSay suggest that we go or suggest going (not incorrect: suggest us to go). Suggest something to someone.

    Similarpropose, recommend, advise, venture

  2. 2
    indicateverbtransitive
    To bring an idea to mind or make someone think something may be true.

    Like a smell of smoke that makes you think of a fire nearby.

    Dark clouds on the horizon suggest rain is on the way.

    Her accent suggested she had grown up abroad.

    UsageUsually said of things, not people: the signs suggest rain.

    Similarindicate

    Note
  3. 3
    implyverbtransitive
    To hint at something without saying it directly.

    Tom suggested that his boss took the money, but he never said it openly.

    Do you mean to suggest that I forgot on purpose?

    UsageAre you suggesting…? often means you feel blamed and want the person to say it clearly.

    Similarimply, hint, insinuate, intimate

    Note

Less common meaning

  1. 4
    verbobsoletetransitive
    To tempt someone into doing something wrong or evil.
    Knowing that tender youth is soon suggested.
    c. 1590, William Shakespeare, “The Two Gentlemen of Verona”Here, suggested means led astray or tempted to do wrong.
    Note

Practice

Can you tell the meanings of suggest apart? Answer 4 quick questions from this page, or write your own sentence and AI will check it.

Origin

It comes from Latin suggerō, meaning to bring up or advise, made from sub (under) and gerō (carry).

Checked 5 Nov 2026 · 5 facts