suggest

[ suhg-jest, suh- ]

verb (used with object)

1. to mention or introduce (an idea, proposition, plan, etc.) for consideration or possible action:

   The architect suggested that the building be restored.

2. to propose (a person or thing) as suitable or possible for some purpose:

   We suggested him for president.

   Synonyms: advise, recommend

3. (of things) to prompt the consideration, making, doing, etc., of:

   The glove suggests that she was at the scene of the crime.

4. to bring before a person's mind indirectly or without plain expression:

   I didn't tell him to leave, I only suggested it.

   Synonyms: imply, indicate

5. to call (something) up in the mind through association or natural connection of ideas:

   The music suggests a still night.

suggest

/ səˈdʒɛst; səɡˈdʒɛst /

verb

1. to put forward (a plan, idea, etc) for consideration

   a plan suggested itself

   I suggest Smith for the post

2. to evoke (a person, thing, etc) in the mind of someone by the association of ideas

   that painting suggests home to me

3. to give an indirect or vague hint of

   his face always suggests his peace of mind

Derived Forms

• sugˈgester, noun

Other Words From

• sug·gested·ness noun
• sug·gester noun
• sug·gesting·ly adverb
• presug·gest verb (used with object)
• unsug·gested adjective
• unsug·gesting adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of suggest¹

First recorded in 1520–30; from Latin suggestus (past participle of suggerere “to build up, supply, hint, suggest”), equivalent to sug- sug- + ges- (past participle stem of gerere “to carry, do, display”) + -tus past participle suffix

Word History and Origins

Origin of suggest¹

C16: from Latin suggerere to bring up, from sub- + gerere to bring

Synonym Study

See hint.

Example Sentences

"We found these particular transcription initiating sites in nodules, but not in the roots or any other tissues, suggesting they are for tissue-specific transcription and associated with nodule-specific function," said Ma.

From Science Daily

Last month, Elon Musk suggested on X that users submit X-rays, PET scans, MRIs and other medical images to Grok, the platform’s artificial intelligence chatbot, to seek diagnoses.

From Los Angeles Times

We also suggest that groups of countries could come together in sugar transition partnerships between producers and consumers that encourage a diversion of sugar away from peoples' diets to more beneficial uses.

From Salon

While there's a lot of anticipation around what the impact of tariffs will be, some experts think the actual implementation of tariffs will be narrower than the broad-based ones Trump suggested on the campaign trail.

From Salon

Now, two reports suggest an effective lower energy approach.

From Science Magazine

Related Words

• advise
• advocate
• offer
• propose
• put
• recommend
• submit