indicate
verb
in·di·cate ˈin-də-ˌkāt 
indicated; indicating
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
As my colleague Samantha Lee explains, California wildlife officials recently published a study indicating the animal — considered a pest — was deliberately brought back to the state. —
Lila Seidman, Los Angeles Times, 23 Apr. 2026 Preliminary investigation indicates the Hyundai was traveling eastbound on Northwest 199th Street and ran a red light, colliding with the bus, which had a green arrow while turning left onto Northwest 7th Avenue, authorities said. —Sergio Candido, CBS News, 23 Apr. 2026 At that time, the red stop lights embedded in the taxiway in front of the truck were illuminated, indicating the truck should not proceed. —Aaron Cooper, CNN Money, 23 Apr. 2026 The administration approved conditional sales earlier this year, but officials have indicated that shipments have not yet begun. —Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 23 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for indicate
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.
Lila Seidman, Los Angeles Times, 23 Apr. 2026 Preliminary investigation indicates the Hyundai was traveling eastbound on Northwest 199th Street and ran a red light, colliding with the bus, which had a green arrow while turning left onto Northwest 7th Avenue, authorities said. —Sergio Candido, CBS News, 23 Apr. 2026 At that time, the red stop lights embedded in the taxiway in front of the truck were illuminated, indicating the truck should not proceed. —Aaron Cooper, CNN Money, 23 Apr. 2026 The administration approved conditional sales earlier this year, but officials have indicated that shipments have not yet begun. —Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 23 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for indicate
Cite this Entry
“Indicate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.grautoblog.com/dictionary/indicate. Accessed 24 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
indicate
verb
in·di·cate ˈin-də-ˌkāt
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
in·di·cate ˈin-də-ˌkāt
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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