Top 33 Slang For Indicate – Meaning & Usage

When it comes to expressing ourselves, sometimes words just aren’t enough. That’s why we’ve put together a list of the top slang words for “indicate” that will help you convey your thoughts with style and flair. Whether you’re trying to signal something subtly or make your point crystal clear, we’ve got you covered. Get ready to level up your communication game with these trendy and totally rad phrases!

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1. Show

To display or present something in a visual or tangible way. “Show” is a versatile term that can be used in various contexts to indicate or demonstrate something.

For example, a teacher might say, “Let me show you how to solve this math problem.”
In a conversation about a new gadget, someone might ask, “Can you show me how it works?”
A presenter might say, “Allow me to show you the latest features of our product.”

2. Point out

To draw attention to or indicate something specifically. “Point out” is often used when referring to something specific within a larger context.

For instance, a tour guide might say, “I would like to point out the historical significance of this building.”
In a group discussion, someone might say, “I’d like to point out that we haven’t considered this aspect yet.”
A teacher might ask a student, “Can you point out the main idea in this paragraph?”

3. Signal

To communicate or indicate something through gestures, signs, or actions. “Signal” is commonly used to convey a message or indicate a particular meaning.

For example, a driver might use hand signals to signal a turn.
In a conversation, someone might say, “His body language signaled that he was uncomfortable.”
A referee might blow a whistle to signal the end of a game.

4. Demonstrate

To show or explain how something is done or how it works. “Demonstrate” is often used when providing a practical example or visual representation.

For instance, a science teacher might say, “Let me demonstrate the chemical reaction.”
In a cooking class, the instructor might demonstrate the proper technique for chopping vegetables.
A presenter might use visuals to demonstrate the growth of a company over time.

5. Display

To exhibit or show something in a public or prominent manner. “Display” is commonly used when referring to showcasing or presenting something.

For example, an artist might display their artwork in a gallery.
In a retail store, products are displayed on shelves to attract customers.
A museum might display historical artifacts for visitors to see.

6. Express

To communicate or show a feeling, idea, or opinion through words, actions, or other means. “Express” is often used to indicate a clear and direct expression of something.

For example, a person might say, “I want to express my gratitude for your help.”
In a discussion about art, someone might comment, “The painting expresses a sense of melancholy.”
A writer might use the phrase, “The poem expresses the author’s longing for love.”

7. Manifest

To show or demonstrate something clearly and visibly. “Manifest” is often used to describe something that is made evident or apparent.

For instance, a person might say, “Her success manifested in her promotion.”
In a spiritual context, someone might claim, “Positive thinking can manifest your desires.”
A philosopher might argue, “The flaws in society manifest in the political system.”

8. Suggest

To indicate or propose something indirectly or subtly. “Suggest” often implies a hint or a possible interpretation.

For example, a person might say, “The evidence suggests that he is guilty.”
In a brainstorming session, someone might suggest, “What if we try a different approach?”
A writer might use the phrase, “The description suggests a hidden motive.”

9. Represent

To stand for or be a sign or indication of something. “Represent” often implies acting or speaking on behalf of someone or something else.

For instance, a person might say, “The dove represents peace.”
In a discussion about diversity, someone might argue, “We need more movies that represent different cultures.”
An artist might explain, “The colors used in the painting represent different emotions.”

10. Signify

To indicate or represent something. “Signify” often suggests a deeper or symbolic meaning.

For example, a person might say, “The red traffic light signifies that you should stop.”
In a literary analysis, someone might argue, “The stormy weather signifies the character’s internal turmoil.”
A historian might claim, “The statue signifies an important historical event.”

11. Betoken

This word means to be a sign or indication of something. It suggests that something is about to happen or is likely to happen in the future.

For example, “The dark clouds betokened an approaching storm.”
In a mysterious novel, the author might write, “The strange symbol betokened a hidden treasure.”
A fortune teller might say, “The black cat crossing your path betokens bad luck.”

12. Denote

To denote something means to be a clear indication or representation of it. It is used to express the meaning or significance of something.

For instance, “The red traffic light denotes that you must stop.”
In a mathematical equation, “x” might denote an unknown variable.
A symbol like a skull and crossbones can denote danger or toxicity.

13. Betray

To betray means to unintentionally reveal or give away something that was meant to be kept secret or hidden. It suggests that someone or something has shown signs or indications that were not intended.

For example, “His nervousness betrayed his true feelings.”
In a spy movie, the double agent might betray his allies.
A person might say, “Her smile betrayed her disappointment.”

14. Portray

To portray means to represent or show someone or something in a particular way. It is often used to indicate the appearance or behavior of a person or the characteristics of a situation.

For instance, “The painting portrays a beautiful sunset over the ocean.”
In a movie, an actor might portray a historical figure.
A writer might portray a character as brave and courageous.

15. Convey

To convey means to communicate or express a message, feeling, or idea. It is used to indicate the act of making something known or understood.

For example, “Her tone of voice conveyed her anger.”
In a poem, the author might convey a sense of longing and nostalgia.
A presenter might use visual aids to convey complex information.

16. Exhibit

To display or present something in a public or noticeable way. “Exhibit” is often used to indicate making something visible or known.

For example, a museum might exhibit a famous painting for visitors to see.
In a courtroom, a lawyer might present evidence and say, “I would like to exhibit this document.”
A teacher might instruct their students, “Please exhibit good behavior during the field trip.”

17. Imply

To suggest or convey something indirectly or without explicitly stating it. “Imply” is often used to indicate insinuating or suggesting something without directly saying it.

For instance, if someone says, “She didn’t imply that she was upset, but I could tell from her tone.”
In a conversation about someone’s actions, you might say, “His behavior implied that he was hiding something.”
A writer might use subtle language to imply a deeper meaning in their story.

18. Symbolize

To stand for or represent something else. “Symbolize” is often used to indicate that something is used as a symbol or represents a larger idea or concept.

For example, a red rose might symbolize love and passion.
In a religious context, a cross might symbolize sacrifice and redemption.
A writer might use a specific color to symbolize a character’s emotions or personality traits.

19. Reveal

To make something known or visible that was previously hidden or unknown. “Reveal” is often used to indicate the act of exposing or disclosing something.

For instance, a magician might reveal the secret behind a magic trick.
In a mystery novel, the final chapter might reveal the identity of the killer.
A scientist might conduct experiments to reveal the truth about a certain phenomenon.

20. Evoke

To bring forth or elicit a particular feeling, memory, or image. “Evoke” is often used to indicate the act of summoning or calling forth something.

For example, a song might evoke feelings of nostalgia.
A photograph might evoke memories of a specific time or place.
A painting might evoke a sense of tranquility or awe in the viewer.

21. Hint

To hint at something means to give a subtle or indirect suggestion or indication about it.

For example, “She gave me a hint about the surprise party by mentioning balloons.”
In a game, a player might say, “I’ll give you a hint: the answer is a type of fruit.”
A teacher might say, “Can anyone give me a hint on how to solve this math problem?”

22. Declare

To declare something means to make a formal or public statement about it, often to make it known or official.

For instance, “The president declared a state of emergency.”
In a courtroom, a lawyer might declare, “Objection, Your Honor!”
A person might declare their love for someone by saying, “I declare my undying affection for you.”

23. Point to

To point to something means to direct attention towards it or to use it as evidence or support for an argument or claim.

For example, “All the evidence points to him as the culprit.”
In a discussion about a map, someone might say, “This arrow points to the location of the treasure.”
A teacher might point to a diagram and say, “This line here points to the angle we’re discussing.”

24. Designate

To designate something means to officially assign or name it for a specific purpose or role.

For instance, “She was designated as the team captain.”
In a classroom, a teacher might designate certain seats for group work.
A sign might designate a parking spot for disabled individuals.

25. Mark

To mark something means to indicate or show that it has a particular significance or importance.

For example, “This date marks the anniversary of a historic event.”
In a book, an asterisk might mark important passages.
A person might mark their calendar to remember an upcoming event.

26. Proclaim

When someone proclaims something, they are making a public or official announcement. It is a way of expressing or stating something clearly and boldly.

For example, a leader might proclaim a new law or policy.
In a speech, someone might proclaim their love for another person.
A protester might proclaim their beliefs or demands during a demonstration.

27. Betide

Betide is an old-fashioned word that means to happen or occur. It is often used in a poetic or literary context.

For instance, “Woe betide those who cross her path.”
In a fantasy novel, a character might say, “Let no harm betide you on your journey.”
A poet might write, “Oft betide the weary traveler on the road of life.”

28. Evince

When something evinces a quality or characteristic, it means that it shows or reveals that quality. It is a more formal word for indicating or demonstrating.

For example, a person’s actions might evince their true intentions.
A study might evince a correlation between two variables.
A painting might evince the artist’s emotions and style.

29. Portend

When something portends a future event, it means that it is a sign or warning of that event. It suggests that something is likely to happen in the future.

For instance, dark clouds might portend a storm.
A sudden drop in stock prices might portend an economic downturn.
A fortune teller might claim that certain symbols or omens portend good or bad luck.

30. Insinuate

When someone insinuates something, they are suggesting or hinting at it indirectly, often with a negative connotation. It implies something without stating it explicitly.

For example, a person might insinuate that someone is lying without directly accusing them.
In a conversation, someone might insinuate that they know a secret without revealing it.
A writer might insinuate a deeper meaning or theme through subtle symbolism in their work.

31. Augur

To augur means to predict or foreshadow something, often based on signs or omens. It is a way of indicating what is likely to happen in the future.

For example, “The dark clouds augur a storm coming.”
A fortune teller might say, “The cards augur a change in your career.”
In a political context, someone might say, “The recent protests augur a shift in public opinion.”

32. Illustrate

To illustrate means to show or demonstrate something, often through visuals or examples. It is a way of indicating or making something clear.

For instance, “Let me illustrate my point with a graph.”
A teacher might say, “I will illustrate the concept of gravity with a simple experiment.”
In a presentation, someone might use a slide to illustrate their main ideas.

33. Evident

Evident means obvious or clear, indicating that something is easily perceived or understood.

For example, “Her smile made it evident that she was happy.”
A detective might say, “The fingerprints on the weapon make it evident that he was the culprit.”
In a scientific study, researchers might conclude, “The data makes it evident that there is a correlation between these two variables.”