Imply close (8)
I believe the answer is:
intimate
I believe this clue is a double definition.
'imply' is the first definition.
(intimating is a kind of implying)
'close' is the second definition.
(similar in meaning)
(Other definitions for intimate that I've seen before include "Familiar; imply" , "Make known" , "Infer; personal" , "Close acquaintance" , "Sharing a close and affectionate friendship" .)