insinuate

verb
UK: /ɪnˈsɪnjueɪt/
US: /ɪnˈsɪnjueɪt/

  1. To suggest or hint something bad in an indirect and unpleasant way.

    1. Are you trying to insinuate that I'm not telling the truth?
    2. The article seemed to insinuate that the politician was involved in some shady deals.

  2. To gradually and subtly introduce someone or something into a place or situation.

    1. She tried to insinuate herself into the group by being overly helpful.
    2. The new policy seemed designed to insinuate itself into every aspect of our work lives.

Synonyms

imply suggest hint intimate allude ingratiate
insinuate intransitive-verb

  1. To maneuver oneself into favor or a position by subtle manipulation.

    1. He tried to insinuate his way into her life.
    2. The con artist attempted to insinuate himself into the wealthy family's inner circle.
insinuate transitive-verb

  1. To suggest indirectly.

    1. He didn't say it, but he did insinuate it.
    2. The look on her face seemed to insinuate that she knew more than she was letting on.

Frequently Asked Questions

The word "insinuate" in English means: To suggest or hint something bad in an indirect and unpleasant way., To gradually and subtly introduce someone or something into a place or situation..

The phonetic transcription of "insinuate" is /ɪnˈsɪnjueɪt/ in British English and /ɪnˈsɪnjueɪt/ in American English. Click the 🔊 button to hear both pronunciations.

Synonyms for "insinuate": imply, suggest, hint, intimate, allude, ingratiate.

Example usage of "insinuate": "Are you trying to insinuate that I'm not telling the truth?". More examples on the page.