insinuation

[ in-sin-yoo-ey-shuhn ]
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noun
  1. an indirect or covert suggestion or hint, especially of a derogatory nature: She made nasty insinuations about her rivals.

  2. covert or artful suggestion or hinting, as of something implied: His methods of insinuation are most ingenious.

  1. subtle or artful instillment into the mind.

  2. the art or power of stealing into the affections and pleasing; ingratiation: He made his way by flattery and insinuation.

  3. Archaic. a slow winding, worming, or stealing in.

  4. Obsolete. an ingratiating act or speech.

Origin of insinuation

1
First recorded in 1520–30; from Latin insinuātion- (stem of insinuātiō ); see insinuate, -ion

Other words from insinuation

  • pre·in·sin·u·a·tion, noun

Words Nearby insinuation

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024

How to use insinuation in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for insinuation

insinuation

/ (ɪnˌsɪnjʊˈeɪʃən) /


noun
  1. an indirect or devious hint or suggestion

  2. the act or practice of insinuating

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012