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Definitions

suggestive

[suhg-jes-tiv, suh-] / səgˈdʒɛs tɪv, sə- /
ADJECTIVE
signifying
Synonyms
STRONGEST
evocative expressive intriguing redolent reminiscent symbolic
WEAK
evocatory giving an inkling indicative pregnant remindful significative symptomatic
Antonyms
WEAK
clean meaningless moral simple unprovocative
ADJECTIVE
dirty, vulgar
Synonyms
STRONGEST
erotic indecent obscene off-color provocative racy rude seductive sexy
WEAK
bawdy blue broad immodest improper indelicate prurient ribald risqué shady tempting titillating unseemly wicked
Antonyms
STRONGEST
clean decent dull modest moral nice pure upright
WEAK
meaningless simple unprovocative

Usage

What are other ways to say suggestive? The adjective suggestive implies an indirect or covert conveying of a meaning, sometimes mentally stimulating, sometimes verging on impropriety or indecency: a suggestive story or remark. Expressive suggests conveying, or being capable of conveying, a thought, intention, emotion, etc., in an effective or vivid manner: an expressive gesture. Meaningful and significant imply an underlying and unexpressed thought whose existence is plainly shown although its precise nature is left to conjecture. Meaningful implies a secret and intimate understanding between the persons involved: Meaningful looks passed between them. Significant suggests conveying important or hidden meaning: On hearing this statement, he gave the officers a significant glance. 

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

For example, errors in memory or suggestive questioning during eyewitness interviews can influence how events are remembered.

From Science Daily • Mar. 11, 2026

That is a classic example of a suggestive question.

From Slate • Feb. 13, 2026

Willow had not proved this, Neven was careful to say, but was "suggestive that we should take this idea seriously".

From BBC • Jan. 7, 2026

His book reveals the amazing transformation of a young man into a fully formed writer, endowed with a concise yet suggestive style.

From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 24, 2025

Four years afterward, a traveler noted in his diary that the Nermernuh lived in fear of disease because they had been recently struck by smallpox—tenuous but suggestive evidence.

From "1491" by Charles C. Mann

Vocabulary lists containing suggestive

Darius the Great Is Not Okay

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What If It's Us

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Last Night at the Telegraph Club

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