intimater

Definition

1. Noun:
   • One who makes something known indirectly: an "intimater" is a person who hints at or suggests something without stating it directly.
   • One who communicates information: an "intimater" can also refer to someone who reports or makes something known, often in a formal or subtle manner.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • She was an intimater of secrets, always dropping hints about the surprise party. (She hinted indirectly about the party.)
  • The diplomat acted as an intimater of the government's intentions. (The diplomat made the government's plans known indirectly.)

Advanced Usage

• "to be an intimater of change": to suggest that change is coming without stating it outright.

  • The manager was an intimater of layoffs, though he never confirmed them directly. (He hinted at job cuts without saying so explicitly.)

• "intimater of bad news": someone who conveys unpleasant information through hints.

  • He was the family's intimater of bad news, always softening difficult truths. (He gently hinted at bad news.)

Variants and Related Words

• Intimate (verb): to suggest or hint at something indirectly.

  • He intimated that he might resign. (He hinted at his possible resignation.)

• Intimation (noun): a hint or indirect suggestion.

  • There was no intimation of trouble before the accident. (No hint of trouble was given.)

Synonyms

• Hinter: one who gives indirect clues.
• Suggester: one who puts forward an idea subtly.
• Insinuator: one who implies something unpleasant or devious.

Related Idioms

• Drop a hint: to give a subtle suggestion or clue.

  • She dropped a hint about her birthday gift. (She intimated what she wanted.)

• Beat around the bush: to avoid stating something directly.

  • Stop beating around the bush and tell me what you mean. (Stop being an intimater and speak plainly.)