1. close friends or companions
Usage: plural form

1. suggests or hints at something indirectly
Usage: third person singular present

Examples

• She shared the secret only with her closest intimates.
• The small dinner party included just family and intimates.
• He intimates that changes are coming to the company.
• The author intimates the character’s fate through subtle clues.
• Her tone intimates disapproval without saying it directly.
• The report intimates serious problems with the current system.