clue 1 of 2

noun

ˈklü How to pronounce clue (audio)
Definition of cluenext
as in indication
a slight or indirect pointing to something (as a solution or explanation) vainly searched for a clue to the answer

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

clue

2 of 2

verb

as in to tell

Related Words

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of clue
Noun
Doctors say the color, shape and frequency of your stool offer real clues about digestion, hydration and long-term wellness. — Hanna Wickes, Sacbee.com, 29 Aug. 2026 Its findings could also unlock clues about dark energy and dark matter, and some of the universe’s biggest enigmas. — Denise Chow, NBC news, 29 Aug. 2026
Verb
The second comes later, after Ashley, feeling the toll of the emotional manipulation, clues him into her new scheme, which occurred to her earlier that day. — Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 16 Apr. 2026 Julia’s mixed medium mural hanging on her family room wall clues us into her cluttered, frenzied mindset. — Courtney Howard, Variety, 15 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for clue
Recent Examples of Synonyms for clue
  1. indication
  2. tell
  3. hint
  4. inform
  5. cue
  6. advise
  7. suggestion
  8. notify
Noun
  • But if this week is any indication, Wall Street may finally be coming back around to Benioff's side.
    — Jordan Novet, CNBC, 28 Aug. 2026
  • If the season-two premiere is any indication, the series is primed to capitalize on that potential this year.
    — Ben Rosenstock, Vulture, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of indication
Verb
  • The referendum campaign has fueled debate about Iceland’s place in the world, Prime Minister Kristrun Frostadottir told reporters after casting her ballot in ​the capital on Saturday.
    — Reuters, NBC news, 30 Aug. 2026
  • Indrika Ratwatte, the acting assistant secretary-general for humanitarian affairs, told the Security Council that the Kenscoff attack forced more than 2,600 people to flee their homes, many for the second or third time.
    — Evens Sanon, Los Angeles Times, 29 Aug. 2026
Definition of tell
Noun
  • The cuisine was also noteworthy, a generous choice of cocktails, wines, and cuisine with hints of contemporary English inspiration, while avoiding being British stodgy.
    — Michael Verdon, Robb Report, 28 Aug. 2026
  • Warsh is unlikely to reveal his approach before the task forces report but at Jackson Hole the whole world will be looking for hints regarding his plans to reshape the Fed.
    — Paul Wachtel, The Conversation, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of hint
Verb
  • This list is informed by The Athletic’s newsroom — including David Ornstein — and their reporting in the last days of the window.
    — The Athletic UK Staff, New York Times, 1 Sep. 2026
  • Any business, town or development group needs this data informing their decisions.
    — Twila Moon, Washington Post, 31 Aug. 2026
Definition of inform
Noun
  • People may also often rely on the most available information or follow potentially misleading cues like how compelling someone sounds, their appearance or existing beliefs.
    — John C. Besley, The Conversation, 31 Aug. 2026
  • For thousands of years, a seller at a market might have used visual and social cues — what a customer was wearing, what the seller knew about their family — to quote a price.
    — Audrey McGlinchy, Los Angeles Times, 31 Aug. 2026
Definition of cue
Verb
  • Weather officials also advise applying sunscreen every two hours and avoiding alcohol when hot out.
    — Finnegan Belleau, Chicago Tribune, 31 Aug. 2026
  • John Watson, the influential psychologist, advised parents not to hug or kiss their children.
    — Andrew Silow-Carroll, Sun Sentinel, 31 Aug. 2026
Definition of advise
Noun
  • Gates brushed aside the idea that his suggestions might draw pushback from the accelerationist voices in the tech industry.
    — Reed Albergotti, semafor.com, 26 Aug. 2026
  • Mixed response Gates made the same suggestion nearly a decade ago and was subject to robust criticism at the time.
    — Eleanor Pringle, Fortune, 26 Aug. 2026
Definition of suggestion
Verb
  • Between May and July, the emails show probation officers were regularly notifying ICE agents about the dates and times that certain probationers would be at their office.
    — Rachel Spacek, Los Angeles Times, 28 Aug. 2026
  • The DeKalb County School District was also notified about possible delays affecting student transportation in the Browns Mill Ferry Road area.
    — CBS News Atlanta Digital Team, CBS News, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of notify

Phrases Containing clue

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Cite this Entry

“Clue.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/clue. Accessed 2 Sep. 2026.

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