WordValeinsinuate
to suggest indirectly
In more detail
1. (verb) to suggest something indirectly or hint at something unpleasant without saying it directly
2. (verb) to introduce or insert gradually or cleverly into something
Examples
- 1. She insinuated that he had been dishonest without actually accusing him.
- 2. He slowly insinuated himself into the group by making friends with key members.
How to use insinuate
Insinuate typically carries a negative or manipulative tone, especially in sense 1, where it means to hint at something unpleasant or scandalous rather than state it openly. In sense 2, it suggests a gradual, often sly insertion or infiltration. The word is common in formal and literary contexts and often implies cunning or deviousness.
Common phrases
- insinuate that
- insinuate oneself into
- heavily insinuate
- insinuate doubt
- insinuate a criticism
Synonyms
hint · imply · suggest · allude · intimate
Opposites
state directly · assert · declare
Word family
insinuation (noun) · insinuating (adjective) · insinuatingly (adverb)
A common mistake
Learners sometimes confuse insinuate with insincerity or assume it always means 'to insert'; remember that sense 1 (hinting at something negative) is the more frequent and emotionally charged meaning.
Save this word in WordVale and it comes back for review right before you'd forget it — with pronunciation, real examples, and optional translations. One purchase, no subscription.
Get WordValeFREE 7-DAY TRIAL · iPHONE & iPAD