insinuation
/ɪnsɪnjʊˈeɪʃ(ə)n
/noun
An unpleasant hint or suggestion of something bad: I’ve done nothing to deserve all your vicious insinuations [mass noun]: a piece of filthy insinuation...
- The thefts were calculated and professional, and the staff were quick with unpleasant insinuations when the evil deeds were pointed out.
- But there are just hints and insinuations that if I stick around long enough there might be a plot later.
- Far be it from me to stoop to petty insinuations and suggestions, just to illustrate a point.
Synonyms
implication, inference, suggestion, hint, intimation, imputation, innuendo, reference, allusion, indication, undertone, overtone;
aspersion, slur, allegation
Origin
Mid 16th century: from Latin insinuatio(n-), from insinuare (see insinuate).