tip-off

[tip-awf, -of] / ˈtɪpˌɔf, -ˌɒf /

NOUN

hint, warning

Synonyms

STRONG

buzz clue cue dope forecast hint information inkling knowledge news pointer prediction prompt steer suggestion tip warning whisper word

WEAK

inside wire secret information two cents' worth word of advice word to the wise

VERB

advise; warn

Synonyms

STRONG

advise alert apprise brief caution counsel divulge expose familiarize forewarn hint notify suggest tip tout warn

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Another tip-off for me about our friendship was that he never mentioned politics or religion.

From MarketWatch • Jun. 8, 2026

On another ticket marketplace Gametime, prices for Game 3 also dropped closer to tip-off, something that has occurred in each game of the NBA Conference Finals and NBA Finals in 2026.

From MarketWatch • Jun. 8, 2026

He is also convinced that the tip-off which led police to the hideout would not have come from his peers in the sovereign citizen movement.

From BBC • Apr. 3, 2026

The birds noisily fight over their stolen feast, a potential tip-off to other scavengers.

From Barron's • Mar. 12, 2026

Obviously they did not want to go to the regular clinic to have an Army nurse take their blood: that would be a tip-off to the military authorities that they thought they’d been exposed.

From "The Hot Zone" by Richard Preston

tip-off

Example Sentences

Related Words