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

His behavior — rude and arrogant — suggests a character that will not benefit our Dodgers.

From Los Angeles Times

Rogan suggested Ukraine “come to the negotiation table” with Russia instead of continuing fighting the war, which will enter its third year in February.

From Salon

The chatbot suggested Stuffed Acorn Squash, saying it’s “hearty, festive, and packed with seasonal flavors.”

From Salon

"This is surely a joke?" added one user, while another suggested the move would "cost jobs and do real damage".

From BBC

But the data suggests it was a much closer contest than he and his allies are suggesting.

From BBC

Related Words

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