suggestive

[ suhg-jes-tiv, suh- ]

adjective

1. that suggests; referring to other thoughts, persons, etc.:

   His recommendation was suggestive of his boss's thinking.

2. rich in suggestions or ideas:

   a suggestive critical essay.

3. evocative; presented partially rather than in detail.
4. that suggests or implies something improper or indecent; risqué;

   suggestive remarks.

suggestive

/ səˈdʒɛstɪv /

adjective

1. postpositivefoll byof conveying a hint (of something)

   this painting is suggestive of a hot summer day

2. tending to suggest something improper or indecent
3. able or liable to suggest an idea, plan, etc

Derived Forms

• sugˈgestiveness, noun
• sugˈgestively, adverb

Other Words From

• sug·gestive·ly adverb
• sug·gestive·ness noun
• nonsug·gestive adjective
• nonsug·gestive·ly adverb
• nonsug·gestive·ness noun
• presug·gestive adjective
• unsug·gestive adjective
• unsug·gestive·ly adverb
• unsug·gestive·ness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of suggestive¹

First recorded in 1625–35; suggest + -ive

Example Sentences

The sums are significant and suggestive of Joe Biden’s plans in the US which saw billions of government dollars invested into the economy.

From BBC

Rating: PG, for language, some suggestive material and thematic elements Running time: 1 hour, 33 minutes Playing: In wide release Friday, Oct.

From Los Angeles Times

“The childish nicknames and crazy conspiracy theories and weird obsession with crowd size,” he added, using both hands to make a suggestive gesture.

From Salon

"Elephants have individual characters and intentions, and they coordinate their 'voices' in a way that is suggestive of individual expression of art and music, and perhaps even whimsy," O'Connell-Rodwell said.

From Salon

In 1984, a series of billboards went up around town depicting a blond woman in suggestive poses.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• erotic
• indecent
• obscene
• off-color
• provocative
• racy
• rude
• seductive
• sexy

When To Use

What are other ways to say suggestive?

Something that is suggestive refers to other thoughts or persons. Do you know when to use suggestive over its synonyms expressive, meaningful, and significant? Find out on Thesaurus.com.