You’ve probably been in a situation where you want to recommend something but don’t want to use the word “suggest” every single time, right? Well, I got you covered! In this post, you’ll find 21 fun and easy synonyms for “suggests” that will spice up your conversations and writing. These alternatives are perfect whether you’re writing a report, giving advice, or chatting with friends.
1. Recommends
When you recommend something, you are pointing it out as a good choice. It’s a great way to offer advice without sounding too bossy. For example, if you recommend a movie, you’re suggesting that others watch it because it’s a great pick. “I highly recommend the new restaurant downtown,” or “He recommends reading this book for self-improvement.” You’re making a suggestion, but with the emphasis that it’s worth trying. This synonym can also be used in a professional setting, like when offering advice on products or services. It adds a touch of positivity to your suggestion!
2. Proposes
To propose means to put forward an idea or suggestion for consideration. It’s a more formal way of saying “suggest.” For instance, if you propose a plan, you’re presenting it for approval or discussion. “She proposed that we meet earlier tomorrow,” or “He proposed a new strategy to improve sales.” This synonym is great when you want to sound more professional or when suggesting something to a group or team. It feels a bit more thoughtful and intentional compared to just casually suggesting something.
3. Advises
When someone advises you, they are giving guidance or recommending an action. It has a tone of expertise, as if the person offering advice knows what’s best. For example, “My teacher advises me to study for at least an hour every day,” or “She advises against going out in the rain without an umbrella.” It’s often used in professional or formal situations, especially when someone has more experience or knowledge on the subject. This synonym can add weight to your suggestion, as it implies that the suggestion is based on expert opinion.
4. Hints
To hint at something means to suggest it in a subtle way, usually without saying it directly. If you want to drop a clue but not outright say something, hinting is the way to go. For instance, “She hinted that we should start planning the party soon,” or “He hinted at the idea of a vacation during the meeting.” This synonym is often used when the suggestion is indirect or not obvious. If you’re trying to give a suggestion without being too forward, hinting works great in informal situations.
5. Implies
When you imply something, you’re suggesting it without stating it outright. It’s a more subtle and often indirect way of suggesting an idea. For example, “His comment implied that we should leave the meeting early,” or “The instructions implied that we need to bring our own materials.” It’s a useful synonym when you don’t want to be too obvious but still want to convey a message. Implying can be a great way to suggest something without saying it directly, which can be useful in sensitive situations.
6. Proclaims
To proclaim something is to announce or declare it strongly. When you proclaim an idea, you’re suggesting it with confidence, almost like you’re making an important statement. For instance, “She proclaimed that everyone should try the new dessert,” or “He proclaimed that it’s the best time to buy a house.” It’s not as gentle as some of the other synonyms, but it’s a fun way to suggest something with emphasis. You might use proclaiming when you’re sure about something and want others to follow your lead.
7. Recommends
When you recommend something, you are pointing it out as a good choice. It’s a great way to offer advice without sounding too bossy. For example, if you recommend a movie, you’re suggesting that others watch it because it’s a great pick. “I highly recommend the new restaurant downtown,” or “He recommends reading this book for self-improvement.” You’re making a suggestion, but with the emphasis that it’s worth trying. This synonym can also be used in a professional setting, like when offering advice on products or services. It adds a touch of positivity to your suggestion!
8. Encourages
To encourage someone is to suggest an action by offering support or motivation. It’s about inspiring others to take a step forward. For example, “She encourages me to try new things,” or “He encourages his team to stay positive during challenges.” Encouraging often comes with a sense of excitement or optimism. It’s a good way to suggest something in a supportive and uplifting way. So, if you’re trying to get someone to take action, encouraging is a great synonym to use.
9. Alludes to
To allude to something means to suggest or refer to it indirectly, often leaving out details or being vague. It’s like dropping a small hint that might lead to a bigger idea. For example, “The article alluded to the fact that the company is changing its policy,” or “She alluded to the possibility of a new job opportunity.” This is great when you want to suggest something without fully revealing everything, which makes it a bit mysterious or intriguing. It can be a clever way to give a suggestion without directly spelling it out.
10. Directs
To direct someone means to guide them or point them in a specific direction. It’s a straightforward suggestion that focuses on giving clear instructions. For example, “She directed me to take the first left at the traffic light,” or “He directed the team to start the project immediately.” This synonym works well when you want to make a suggestion that involves taking action right away. It’s usually used in situations where clarity is important and there’s a clear course of action to follow.
11. Advocates
To advocate for something means to publicly recommend or support it. When you advocate for an idea, you’re suggesting it as the best option, often with a sense of belief or passion. For example, “He advocates for reducing plastic use to help the environment,” or “She advocates for more diversity in the workplace.” It’s a strong and positive way to suggest something, often in the context of social change or causes you believe in. Advocating implies a sense of responsibility or conviction behind the suggestion.
12. Calls for
When something calls for a certain action, it means that it suggests or requires it. It’s a more urgent or necessary way of suggesting something. For instance, “This situation calls for immediate action,” or “The weather calls for a jacket today.” It’s great when you need to suggest something because it’s simply the right thing to do in that moment. This synonym is often used when something is needed or required, emphasizing the necessity of taking action.
13. Mentions
To mention something is to bring it up briefly as a suggestion or point of interest. It’s usually not a direct suggestion but a way to casually introduce an idea. For example, “She mentioned that we could try a different approach,” or “He mentioned the possibility of traveling to Europe next year.” It’s often used when you want to suggest something lightly, without making it the main focus of the conversation. It’s a good way to bring ideas to attention without being too forceful.
14. Offers
To offer a suggestion is to present it as a possibility. It’s a gentle and polite way of making a suggestion. For example, “She offered to help me with the project,” or “He offered to give me a ride home.” Offering something suggests a willingness to help or provide a choice without insisting. This is a great synonym to use when you’re presenting an idea or opportunity to someone in a considerate and open way.
15. Insists
To insist means to suggest something strongly or demand it, often because you believe it’s very important. For example, “He insists that we leave right now,” or “She insists that we try the new recipe.” Insisting adds a sense of urgency or necessity to the suggestion. It can be used when you believe strongly in your suggestion and want others to take action. While it’s a firm suggestion, it should be used carefully, as it can sound a bit forceful if overdone.
16. Points out
To point out something means to highlight or bring attention to it as a suggestion. It’s about making others aware of something they may not have noticed. For example, “She pointed out that the meeting time had changed,” or “He pointed out the need for better organization in the office.” This synonym works well when you want to make a suggestion that involves something important, but in a way that draws attention to it without force.
17. Remarks
To remark on something is to comment on it as a way of making a suggestion or giving an idea. It’s similar to mentioning something, but with a slight tone of reflection or observation. For example, “She remarked that the new movie was really interesting,” or “He remarked on how quiet the office has become.” Remarking on something can be a casual way to make a suggestion in a conversation. It’s not too strong but still adds value to the discussion.
18. Suggests
Yes, sometimes you just need to use the word “suggest”! It’s a classic that works every time. For example, “I suggest that you try this new app for organizing your schedule,” or “She suggests going for a walk after lunch.” Suggesting is straightforward and clear, making it a go-to option when you want to share an idea without overcomplicating things. While we’re focusing on synonyms here, it’s good to remember that suggest is still a solid choice!
19. States
To state something is to say it clearly or firmly. When you state an idea, you’re making a suggestion that’s direct and unambiguous. For example, “He stated that we should all meet at 3 PM,” or “She stated that it’s important to finish the project on time.” This synonym is useful when you want to suggest something in a way that’s clear, confident, and without room for misunderstanding. It’s often used in formal or professional settings.
20. Demonstrates
When you demonstrate something, you show or explain it as a way of suggesting it. It’s a more visual or practical approach to making a suggestion. For example, “She demonstrated how to use the new software,” or “He demonstrated the proper way to fold a shirt.” Demonstrating can be a hands-on way to suggest something, especially when people learn better through seeing or doing rather than just hearing.
21. Makes clear
To make clear something means to explain it in a way that everyone understands, suggesting that it’s the best course of action. For example, “He made clear that the deadline was tomorrow,” or “She made clear that everyone should bring their own laptop to the meeting.” This synonym is helpful when you want to suggest something by providing clarity and ensuring that no one is confused. It’s often used when communicating important instructions.
I hope this list of synonyms for “suggest” helps you spice up your vocabulary and make your suggestions more interesting! Whether you’re writing, speaking, or just chatting with friends, using different words can make your communication sound more dynamic. Try these out next time you want to suggest something in a fun and fresh way!
