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telltale Synonyms

Another word for telltale

Choosing another word for telltale depends on context, so the 18 synonyms and similar words below are separated across 4 exact definitions and ranked by match strength.
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• adjective (Context 1)

Revealing, indicating, or betraying something that is intended to remain hidden or secret.

Usage Example

"The crumpled wrapper on the floor was a revealing sign that someone had eaten the last cookie."

Strongest
revealing
giveaway
Strong
indicative
betraying
diagnostic
signaling

• noun (Context 2)

A person, especially a child, who reports others' wrongdoings or reveals private matters.

Usage Example

"Nobody in the classroom wanted to be labeled a tattletale by reporting the prank to the teacher."

Strongest
tattletale
Strong
informer
snitch
blabbermouth
gossip
Weak
whistleblower

• noun (Context 3)

An outward sign or piece of evidence that reveals something concealed.

Usage Example

"A slight tremor in his voice served as a giveaway of his underlying nervousness."

Strongest
giveaway
Strong
indication
clue
sign

• noun (Context 4)

A mechanical, electrical, or visual device that indicates or registers the status, position, or operation of a system, such as a strip of yarn attached to a sail to show wind direction.

Usage Example

"The skipper watched the yarn telltales fluttering on the headsail to trim the canvas properly."

Strongest
indicator
Strong
monitor
gauge

Opposites of telltale

The opposite of telltale shifts depending on context. Common opposites include:

unrevealing
inconspicuous
ambiguously
See all opposites of telltale

Cite this Entry


Wordmom. (2026). Synonyms for Telltale. In Wordmom Thesaurus. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/synonyms/telltale
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