insinuation

[in-sin-yoo-ey-shuhn]

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.

3. subtle or artful instillment into the mind.

4. the art or power of stealing into the affections and pleasing; ingratiation.

   He made his way by flattery and insinuation.

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

6. Obsolete.,  an ingratiating act or speech.

insinuation

/ ɪnˌsɪnjʊˈeɪʃən /

noun

1. an indirect or devious hint or suggestion

2. the act or practice of insinuating

Other Word Forms

• preinsinuation noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of insinuation¹

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

Example Sentences

Khrenin told the officers “dialogue was improving” with the U.S., adding that the wargames had been overshadowed by “various insinuations” that they could be cover for something more sinister.

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It said "any insinuation that the bank failed in its due-diligence is entirely unfounded".

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The controversy blew up with more questions about the family's wealth, and insinuations that they had profited from post-quake recovery funds.

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She said the insinuation that the pair were not homeless, the central premise of the book, was "utterly unfounded".

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He rejected any insinuation that Lyons identified the leisure centre being used as a place where vulnerable people were being given refuge.

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Related Words

• innuendo