verb

imply

/ɪmˈplaɪ/ · say it: im·PLY

to suggest without stating directly

In Debate & Persuasion

In more detail

1. (verb) to suggest something indirectly without stating it openly

2. (verb) to involve or require something as a necessary consequence

Examples

1. When she didn't answer my calls, it implied that she was angry with me.
2. His silence implied agreement with the decision.

How to use imply

Imply means to suggest or convey meaning indirectly, rather than stating it outright. It is commonly used when someone hints at something through their words, tone, or actions. In formal contexts, imply can also mean to logically necessitate or require as a consequence (e.g., a fever implies illness). Do not confuse with infer, which means to deduce or conclude from evidence.

Common phrases

imply that
imply criticism
imply guilt
strongly imply
seem to imply

Synonyms

suggest · insinuate · hint · intimate · indicate

Opposites

state · declare · express

Word family

implication (noun) · implicit (adjective) · implicitly (adverb) · implied (adjective)

A common mistake

Confusing imply with infer; the speaker or action implies, while the listener or observer infers.

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