insinuation
noun
in·sin·u·a·tion (ˌ)in-ˌsin-yə-ˈwā-shən 
-yü-ˈā-
1
: something that is insinuated
especially : a sly, subtle, and usually derogatory utterance
2
: the act or process of insinuating
Synonyms
- imputation
- innuendo
See all Synonyms & Antonyms 
Example Sentences
I resent her insinuation that I can't do it without her help. He criticizes his opponents by insinuation rather than directly.
Recent Examples on the Web The argument that Yellowstone and shows of its ilk are discriminated against because of ideology is based on this peculiar insinuation that Taylor Sheridan and George Will are coffee-drinking companions. 
Daniel Fienberg, The Hollywood Reporter, 8 Aug. 2022 Refuting the claims, Ola’s chief executive took to Twitter to dismiss any such development and trash the insinuation. Niharika Sharma, Quartz, 29 July 2022 Some of the tantalizing conversations in later episodes are five to 10 minutes of uninterrupted talk and insinuation, great stuff invariably broken up to spend time sitting in a car with Greg Kinnear. Daniel Fienberg, The Hollywood Reporter, 7 July 2022 Windhorst’s unspoken insinuation is that the Jazz are up to something big. Gordon Monson, The Salt Lake Tribune, 1 July 2022 There was never an insinuation or suggestion that there was any shade to one another. Stephen Daw, Billboard, 13 June 2022 Carson opts to portray the ravage of resources indirectly, through mood and insinuation. Anelise Chen, The Atlantic, 17 May 2022 That insinuation also hangs over the other case Mr. Durham has developed, which is set to go to trial later this year. New York Times, 15 May 2022 Depp’s lawsuit was allowed to proceed on the doctrine of defamation by implication, which holds that seemingly neutral and accurate statements can still make a defamatory insinuation. Gene Maddaus, Variety, 10 May 2022 See More
Daniel Fienberg, The Hollywood Reporter, 8 Aug. 2022 Refuting the claims, Ola’s chief executive took to Twitter to dismiss any such development and trash the insinuation. Niharika Sharma, Quartz, 29 July 2022 Some of the tantalizing conversations in later episodes are five to 10 minutes of uninterrupted talk and insinuation, great stuff invariably broken up to spend time sitting in a car with Greg Kinnear. Daniel Fienberg, The Hollywood Reporter, 7 July 2022 Windhorst’s unspoken insinuation is that the Jazz are up to something big. Gordon Monson, The Salt Lake Tribune, 1 July 2022 There was never an insinuation or suggestion that there was any shade to one another. Stephen Daw, Billboard, 13 June 2022 Carson opts to portray the ravage of resources indirectly, through mood and insinuation. Anelise Chen, The Atlantic, 17 May 2022 That insinuation also hangs over the other case Mr. Durham has developed, which is set to go to trial later this year. New York Times, 15 May 2022 Depp’s lawsuit was allowed to proceed on the doctrine of defamation by implication, which holds that seemingly neutral and accurate statements can still make a defamatory insinuation. Gene Maddaus, Variety, 10 May 2022 See More Word History
First Known Use
1526, in the meaning defined at sense 2
insinuation
noun
as in innuendo
a slyly or subtly derogatory remark the insinuation that there were considerations other than love for the actor having such a high-profile wedding Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
- innuendo
- imputation
- suggestion
- slander
- insult
- libel
- slight
- affront
- smear
- aspersion
- intimation
- indignity
- slur
- inkling
- epithet
- hint
- dig