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suggestively

suggestively

3 7.4
In a way that hints at sexual interest without saying it
  • adverb
  • /səˈdʒɛstɪvli/
  • Offensive
translation icon : de forma sugerente
  • One arm is suggestively covering her breasts, and she is looking out at the camera in a sexual manner.
  • suggestively called

Examples

  • During the washing, she rolls suggestively and seems at times to be clad only in bubbles.

    Academic text (2012)
  • The single work of art that scholars have most suggestively connected with Lucrezia was conceived precisely during these years.

    Academic text (2008)
  • On occasion, in both the art and literature of eighteenth-century France, the dog was suggestively depicted as a real sexual partner.

    Academic text (2015)
  • SUPERMODEL 2 (suggestively): We could have another photo session back at my flat.

    Fiction book (1997)
  • Evelyn licks her fingers suggestively, then hands Jack the entire tray with a sexy smile.

    Fiction book (2000)
  • The next day, as they meet on a landing, she says: "Bonjour, Monsieur," wiggling her little finger suggestively.

    Fiction book (2001)
  • Thus, Jacobsen hints again at Edele's approaching death, and he links it suggestively to her sexuality.

    Academic text (1999)
  • The passage suggestively layers tears with ink, the two fluids impeding the writer's eyesight and composition.

    Academic text (2017)
  • Walter leaned closer, his eyes glinting as he said, suggestively, "You want us to go to bed, too?"

  • Evelyn smiled at Jack and licked her fingers suggestively, hinting at her playful intentions.

Synonyms

indirectly
vssuggestively
78 4.2

In a way that does not say something clearly, often by a hint or through someone else

uses that indirectness specifically to imply sexual or provocative ideas
implicitly
vssuggestively
41 5.6

In a way that is understood without being directly said

adds a sexual or provocative shade to that indirectness
seductively
vssuggestively
  • NSFW
8 6.7

In a way that tries to attract someone romantically

is more about implying sexual or provocative content rather than direct seduction
tantalizingly
vssuggestively
  • US
4 7.4

In a way that tempts you to want something that is hard to get

is similar but usually implies sexual meaning rather than mere allure
erotically
vssuggestively
  • NSFW
3 8.2

In a way that shows sexual desire for someone

is less explicit and instead hints at sexual meaning indirectly
invitingly
vssuggestively
1 4.1

Makes people want to come closer

is like inviting tone but carries a suggestive sexual undertone
enticingly
vssuggestively
1 4.4

In a way that makes someone want something

focuses that appeal toward implying sexual or provocative content
flirtatiously
vssuggestively
1 6.2

In a playful way that shows romantic interest in someone

is similar but often hints at sexual meaning rather than simple flirting
temptingly
vssuggestively
1 4.7

In a way that makes someone want it

leans more toward hinting sexual or provocative ideas rather than plain temptation
sexily
vssuggestively
  • NSFW
1 6.2

In a way that looks sexually attractive to others

uses attraction mainly to imply a sexual or provocative message indirectly
lasciviously
vssuggestively
  • Offensive
1 9.9

In a way that shows strong interest in sex and makes others uncomfortable

is milder, preferring implication and suggestion over explicit display
lustfully
vssuggestively
  • NSFW
1 6.7

In a way that shows strong desire for sex

conveys a milder, suggestive sexual hint instead of direct desire
impliedly
vssuggestively
1 7.9

In a way that shows something without saying it

carries the same unstated sense but often with sexual hint
coquettishly
vssuggestively
1 9.5

Acting in a playful way to attract someone's attention

uses playful teasing mainly to imply sexual or provocative meaning
salaciously
vssuggestively
  • Offensive
1 9.8

In a way that shows too much interest in sexual things

is similar in subject but relies on hinting rather than explicit interest
insinuatingly
vssuggestively
8.4

In a quiet, sly way that hints at something

is similar but carries a sexual or provocative undertone
allusively
vssuggestively
7.9

In an indirect way that hints at something

is like that but often implies sexual or provocative meaning
smexily
vssuggestively
  • NSFW
9.9

To act in a sexy, playful way to attract people

is similar but focuses on implying sexual content rather than overt play
juicily
vssuggestively
  • NSFW
8.4

In a way that shows sexual interest or attraction

is more about hinting sexually without showing explicit intent
lubriciously
vssuggestively
  • Offensive
9.9

In a way that shows sexual interest and feels rude to others

is subtler, implying sexual meaning rather than being overtly indecent
pornographically
vssuggestively
  • Offensive
8.8

In a way that shows sexual acts or body parts to make people feel sexually excited

is subtler and focuses on implication rather than explicit arousal
smuttily
vssuggestively
  • Offensive
9.9

In a sexual and indecent way

is more suggestive and avoids blunt or obscene expression
saucily
vssuggestively
  • Informal
7.7

In a bold, playful way that shows little respect

is similar in cheek but usually implies sexual meaning rather than blunt cheek

Antonyms

303 1.6

To say or do things without hiding feelings

40 4.6

In a direct way that is not polite

How Suggestive

suggestively
  • Offensive
3 7.4
indirectly
78 4.2
explicitly
146 3.9

Surface Forms

suggestively positive
suggestively comparative
suggestively superlative

Morphology

suggestively = suggestive (transparent) = suggest + ive + ly

The adverb is regularly formed by adding '-ly' to the adjective 'suggestive', keeping the adjective's meaning.

Etymology

The word suggestively comes from the verb suggest, which comes from Latin parts sub- ('under') and gerere ('to carry' or 'place'), so imagine slipping an idea under someone's notice instead of saying it directly. So to act suggestively is to hint at something, often in a teasing or sexual way.