The term reference can be used to describe a variety of different concepts. IMPLICATION (11 letters) is an indirect reference or SUGGESTION, often made without explicitly stating it. SUGGESTION (10 letters) is a proposal or recommendation that is made to someone. HINT (4 letters) is a subtle indication or clue that is given to someone. CITE (4 letters) is to refer to a particular source or authority for support or evidence. Allude to (8 letters) is to make an indirect reference to something. ALLUSION (8 letters) is a figure of speech that makes an indirect reference to something. Draw upon (8 letters) is to use a particular source or resource for help or support.