Which term hints at something without stating it directly?

The term that hints at something without stating it directly is "imply." When an idea is implied, it suggests or indicates something indirectly, allowing the audience to infer meaning rather than receiving a clear and straightforward statement. This is often used in literature to convey deeper themes or emotions without explicit articulation, enriching the narrative and engaging the reader’s interpretation.

In contrast, "impact" refers to the effect or outcome of something, while "establish" typically means to set up or lay down a foundation for something. "Contrast" involves comparing two or more elements to highlight differences, which is not related to the notion of hinting at something indirectly. Thus, "imply" is distinctly the term that captures the essence of suggesting meaning subtly, making it the appropriate choice.