insinuate
verb
in·sin·u·ate in-ˈsin-yə-ˌwāt 
-yü-ˌāt
insinuated; insinuating
transitive verb
1
a
: to impart or suggest in an artful or indirect way : imply
I resent what you're insinuating.
b
: to introduce (something, such as an idea) gradually or in a subtle, indirect, or covert way
insinuate doubts into a trusting mind
2
: to introduce (someone, such as oneself) by stealthy, smooth, or artful means
intransitive verb
1
archaic : to enter gently, slowly, or imperceptibly : creep
2
archaic : to ingratiate oneself
insinuative
in-ˈsin-yə-ˌwā-tiv
adjective -yü-ˌā-
insinuator
in-ˈsin-yə-ˌwā-tər
noun -yü-ˌā-
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When to Use Insinuate
Insinuate comes from the Latin root sinuare, meaning "to bend or curve." It is a synonym of imply or suggest; however, insinuate usually conveys something unpleasant is said in a sly or underhanded way.
Synonyms
- infiltrate
- slip
- sneak
- wind
- work in
- worm
- wriggle
See all Synonyms & Antonyms 
Example Sentences
years were needed for the agent to insinuate himself into the terrorist organization are you insinuating that I won by cheating?
Recent Examples on the Web Trump repeatedly posted to Truth Social after the search, including to insinuate that the FBI had planted evidence. 
Jonathan Dienst, NBC News, 11 Aug. 2022 But that does not insinuate the virus should not be taken seriously. Shelby Denise Smith, Essence, 30 July 2022 Naturally Howard survives the attack, so while Unique is still on the hook for the murder attempt, Howard is back on the street with more reason than ever to insinuate himself into Raq and Kanan’s affairs. Kate Aurthur, Variety, 11 Aug. 2022 Cohn offers Rusty good pay to insinuate herself into the couple’s ménage as Hayworth’s secretary and report back to him. Tom Nolan, WSJ, 5 Aug. 2022 His response also seemed to insinuate something demeaning about my mother, and this disturbed me even more. David Wright Faladé, The New Yorker, 4 July 2022 While the charge against Mr. Sussmann is narrow, Mr. Durham has used it to release large amounts of information to insinuate that there was a broad conspiracy involving the Clinton campaign to essentially frame Mr. Trump for colluding with Russia. New York Times, 15 May 2022 In their requests, some conservative groups insinuate that diversity training and minority hiring targets discriminate against Whites and demand companies like Bank of America, Pfizer and Citigroup conduct racial equity audits. Corinne Post, Forbes, 15 June 2022 In this day and age, to insinuate that the pope cannot continue his work in his present condition shows that even the pope is not immune to the prejudice that thousands of people with disabilities suffer on a daily basis. The Salt Lake Tribune, 23 June 2022 See More
Jonathan Dienst, NBC News, 11 Aug. 2022 But that does not insinuate the virus should not be taken seriously. Shelby Denise Smith, Essence, 30 July 2022 Naturally Howard survives the attack, so while Unique is still on the hook for the murder attempt, Howard is back on the street with more reason than ever to insinuate himself into Raq and Kanan’s affairs. Kate Aurthur, Variety, 11 Aug. 2022 Cohn offers Rusty good pay to insinuate herself into the couple’s ménage as Hayworth’s secretary and report back to him. Tom Nolan, WSJ, 5 Aug. 2022 His response also seemed to insinuate something demeaning about my mother, and this disturbed me even more. David Wright Faladé, The New Yorker, 4 July 2022 While the charge against Mr. Sussmann is narrow, Mr. Durham has used it to release large amounts of information to insinuate that there was a broad conspiracy involving the Clinton campaign to essentially frame Mr. Trump for colluding with Russia. New York Times, 15 May 2022 In their requests, some conservative groups insinuate that diversity training and minority hiring targets discriminate against Whites and demand companies like Bank of America, Pfizer and Citigroup conduct racial equity audits. Corinne Post, Forbes, 15 June 2022 In this day and age, to insinuate that the pope cannot continue his work in his present condition shows that even the pope is not immune to the prejudice that thousands of people with disabilities suffer on a daily basis. The Salt Lake Tribune, 23 June 2022 See More Word History
Etymology
Latin insinuatus, past participle of insinuare, from in- + sinuare to bend, curve, from sinus curve
First Known Use
1529, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1b
Kids Definition
insinuate
verb
in·sin·u·ate in-ˈsin-yə-ˌwāt
insinuated; insinuating
1
: hint entry 2, imply
She insinuated that I had cheated.
2
: to bring or get in little by little or in a secret way
He insinuated himself into the group.
insinuations
noun
as in innuendos
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
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- innuendos
- innuendoes
- imputations
- slanders
- suggestions
- libels
- aspersions
- insults
- smears
- affronts
- slurs
- intimations
- slights
- indignities
- epithets
- hints
- inklings
- digs