insinuate

verb

in·sin·u·ate in-ˈsin-yə-ˌwāt

-yü-ˌāt

insinuated; insinuating

Synonyms of insinuate next

transitive verb

: to impart or suggest in an artful or indirect way : imply

I resent what you're insinuating.

: to introduce (something, such as an idea) gradually or in a subtle, indirect, or covert way

insinuate doubts into a trusting mind

: to introduce (someone, such as oneself) by stealthy, smooth, or artful means

intransitive verb

archaic : to enter gently, slowly, or imperceptibly : creep

archaic : to ingratiate oneself

insinuative

in-ˈsin-yə-ˌwā-tiv

-yü-ˌā-

adjective

insinuator

in-ˈsin-yə-ˌwā-tər

-yü-ˌā-

noun

Choose the Right Synonym for insinuate

introduce, insert, insinuate, interpolate, intercalate, interpose, interject mean to put between or among others.

introduce is a general term for bringing or placing a thing or person into a group or body already in existence.

introduced a new topic into the conversation

insert implies putting into a fixed or open space between or among.

inserted a clause in the contract

insinuate implies introducing gradually or by gentle pressure.

insinuated himself into the group

interpolate applies to the inserting of something extraneous or spurious.

interpolated her own comments into the report

intercalate suggests an intrusive inserting of something in an existing series or sequence.

new chapters intercalated with the old

interpose suggests inserting an obstruction or cause of delay.

interpose barriers to communication

interject implies an abrupt or forced introduction.

interjected a question

suggest, imply, hint, intimate, insinuate mean to convey an idea indirectly.

suggest may stress putting into the mind by association of ideas, awakening of a desire, or initiating a train of thought.

a film title that suggests its subject matter

imply is close to suggest but may indicate a more definite or logical relation of the unexpressed idea to the expressed.

measures implying that bankruptcy was imminent

hint implies the use of slight or remote suggestion with a minimum of overt statement.

hinted that she might get the job

intimate stresses delicacy of suggestion without connoting any lack of candor.

intimates that there is more to the situation than meets the eye

insinuate applies to the conveying of a usually unpleasant idea in a sly underhanded manner.

insinuated that there were shady dealings

Examples of insinuate in a Sentence

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

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

During his speech at the Democratic National Convention, Obama insinuated that Trump focused so much on crowd sizes to make up for being poorly endowed. —

Alex Thompson, Axios, 1 Nov. 2024 In English, the book is subtitled A Health Resort Horror Story, and Tokarczuk works hard to insinuate an undercurrent of dread through all the proceedings. —

Robert Rubsam, Vulture, 24 Sep. 2024 Kemi Badenoch has drawn criticism for her assertions in her leadership campaign materials, which seem to insinuate that being Autistic is an advantage. —

Nancy Doyle, Forbes, 15 Oct. 2024 Jimmy attempted to insinuate the need to bring his twin brother, Jey Uso, back into the fold. —

Brian Mazique, Forbes, 12 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for insinuate

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

Time Traveler

The first known use of insinuate was in 1529

See more words from the same year

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Cite this Entry

Style

“Insinuate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/insinuate. Accessed 1 Dec. 2024.

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Kids Definition

insinuate

verb

in·sin·u·ate in-ˈsin-yə-ˌwāt

insinuated; insinuating

: to introduce in a gradual, secret, or clever way

insinuated herself into his confidence

: to suggest in an indirect way : imply

insinuated that I had cheated

insinuation

(ˌ)in-ˌsin-yə-ˈwā-shən

noun

insinuator

in-ˈsin-yə-ˌwāt-ər

noun

Last Updated: 9 Nov 2024 - Updated example sentences

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insinuate

verb

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Synonyms

Examples of insinuate in a Sentence

Word History

Podcast

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