indication

noun

in·​di·​ca·​tion ˌin-də-ˈkā-shən How to pronounce indication (audio)
Synonyms of indication
1
a
: something that serves to indicate
an indication of a recovering economy
gave no indication of her anger
Asthma and COPD are indications for bronchodilator use.
b
: something that is indicated as advisable or necessary
a drug approved for several cardiovascular indications
2
: the action of indicating
indicational
ˌin-də-ˈkā-sh(ə-)nəl How to pronounce indication (audio)
adjective

Synonyms of indication

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Examples of indication in a Sentence

Her evaluation will give me a good indication of where I stand in the class. There were indications that he was thinking of changing jobs.
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.
Police said there was no indication the attack was related to terrorism. — Greg Wehner, FOXNews.com, 2 Sep. 2026 That’s another indication that the breach has been ongoing and new cards become available shortly after they’re harvested. — Dan Goodin, ArsTechnica, 2 Sep. 2026 Early indications are validating our recent moves to lighten up on AI exposure on concern that even good news has not been enough to sustain rallies. — Zev Fima, CNBC, 2 Sep. 2026 While the class was divided between protectionists and free-traders, the teacher gave no indication of his own views, and the textbook presented objective facts along with arguments from both sides. — Livia Gershon, JSTOR Daily, 1 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for indication

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of indication was in the 15th century

Phrases Containing indication

Rhymes for indication

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Browse Nearby Words

indicated horsepower
indication
indicative
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Cite this Entry

“Indication.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/indication. Accessed 4 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

indication

noun
in·​di·​ca·​tion ˌin-də-ˈkā-shən How to pronounce indication (audio)
1
: the action of indicating
2
: something that indicates : sign, suggestion

Medical Definition

indication

noun
in·​di·​ca·​tion ˌin-də-ˈkā-shən How to pronounce indication (audio)
1
a
: a symptom or particular circumstance that indicates the advisability or necessity of a specific medical treatment or procedure
postpartum hemorrhage is the chief indication for the use of ergot preparations and derivatives—C. H. Thienes
b
: something that is indicated as advisable or necessary
in case of collapse the immediate indication is artificial respiration—The Journal of the American Medical Association
2
: the degree indicated in a specific instance or at a specific time on a graduated physical instrument (as a thermometer)
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