suggestive

[suhg-jes-tiv, suh-]

adjective

1. that suggests; referring to other thoughts, persons, etc..

   His recommendation was suggestive of his boss's thinking.

2. rich in suggestions or ideas.

   a suggestive critical essay.

3. evocative; presented partially rather than in detail.

4. that suggests or implies something improper or indecent; risqué;

   suggestive remarks.

suggestive

/ səˈdʒɛstɪv /

adjective

1. conveying a hint (of something)

   this painting is suggestive of a hot summer day

2. tending to suggest something improper or indecent

3. able or liable to suggest an idea, plan, etc

Other Word Forms

• suggestively adverb
• suggestiveness noun
• nonsuggestive adjective
• nonsuggestively adverb
• nonsuggestiveness noun
• presuggestive adjective
• unsuggestive adjective
• unsuggestively adverb
• unsuggestiveness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of suggestive¹

First recorded in 1625–35; suggest + -ive

Example Sentences

The images, including beach shots in swimwear, were digitally altered before being posted in albums with titles like "hot politicians" with other suggestive and sexist captions, prompting vulgar commentary beneath.

From BBC

"House Tour is sensational, a chugging slice of 80s power-pop so instantly catchy that you're able to forgive it holding some of the album's biggest lyrical clunkers," citing some of her more suggestive lyrics.

From BBC

With a plot that involves multiple main characters, the adaptation inevitably becomes suggestive, skeletal, fleshed out by actors who can tell you who they are even when the script doesn’t.

From Los Angeles Times

A Bodhi tree might signal the sacred place where Buddha’s deep insight into enlightenment occurred, or a drawn or carved footprint would be suggestive of following a path.

From Los Angeles Times

Detectives’ questions regarding the photo line-up were deemed too suggestive, while the two witnesses were not separated, allowing for potential influence.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• erotic 
• indecent 
• obscene 
• off-color 
• provocative 
• racy 
• rude 
• seductive 
• sexy 

When To Use

What are other ways to say suggestive?

Something that is suggestive refers to other thoughts or persons. Do you know when to use suggestive over its synonyms expressive, meaningful, and significant? Find out on Thesaurus.com.