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

Gaetz graduated from William & Mary Law School but otherwise has no experience that would suggest he’s qualified to lead the Department of Justice.

From Salon

Despite these risks, market experts suggest investors should focus on the economic environment and company fundamentals, as political factors tend to have a short-lived impact on the stock market and policy changes require time to be implemented.

From Salon

Other proposals suggest pension schemes need to reach a certain size or pool together.

From BBC

Although he said prisons were an important part of the justice system, he questioned whether the UK should keep on building more prisons because "it's very expensive and...evidence does not suggest that it's an effective way of reducing crime".

From BBC

"It's more difficult to have more people scrutinizing me, but there's plenty of evidence to suggest that when people like me are scrutinized, we do a better job."

From BBC

Related Words

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