indicated; indicating
Synonyms of indicate

transitive verb

1
a(1)
: show sense 5
The map indicates where the treasure is buried.
(2)
: to point out or point to
I asked for the exit and he indicated a path down the hall.
b
: to be a sign, symptom, symbol, or index of
The high fever indicates a serious condition.
A new paragraph indicates a change of subject.
c
: to demonstrate or suggest the necessity or advisability of
indicated the need for a new school
the indicated treatment
Further testing is indicated.
2
: to state or express briefly
indicated a desire to cooperate

Examples of indicate in a Sentence

Our records indicate a depth of 3,000 feet here. The map indicates where the treasure is buried. There is nothing to indicate that the two events are connected. The size of his offer indicates that he is eager to buy the house. The general used a long ruler to indicate on the map exactly where the troops would land. We asked how to get to the rear entrance, and he indicated a path leading around the right side of the building.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The thread also indicates the account was previously approved by a China Webull team member and an American counterpart. — Eamon Javers,tanaya MacHeel, CNBC, 21 Oct. 2026 Mozeliak also indicated that Suzuki’s entire coaching staff is not expected to return in its current positions, but some members had been offered staff positions in the organization. — Los Angeles Times, 21 Oct. 2026 Polls suggest the race is essentially tied, with some indicating Jackson has a razor-thin lead. — Chantelle Lee, Time, 21 Oct. 2026 The full force of the deal will not take effect until both parties have complied with its closing conditions, which the agreement indicates could happen within months. — Cate Brown, ProPublica, 21 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for indicate

Word History

Etymology

Latin indicatus, past participle of indicare, from in- + dicare to proclaim, dedicate — more at diction

First Known Use

1651, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of indicate was in 1651

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Indicate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/indicate. Accessed 22 Oct. 2026.

Kids Definition

indicate

verb
indicated; indicating
1
a
: to point out or point to
b
: to be a sign of
flowers indicating the arrival of spring
2
: to state or express briefly : suggest

Medical Definition

indicate

transitive verb
indicated; indicating
1
: to be a fairly certain symptom of : show the presence or existence of
the high fever indicates a serious condition
2
: to call for especially as treatment for a particular condition
radical surgery is often indicated in advanced cancer
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