- present participle of insinuate.
insinuating
Americanadjective
-
tending to instill doubts, distrust, etc.; suggestive.
an insinuating letter.
-
gaining favor or winning confidence by artful means.
an insinuating manner.
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of insinuating
First recorded in 1585–95; insinuat(e) + -ing 2
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
The Webb score is subtle and insinuating, but it could also be explosive, as in the devastating discovery cue dramatizing the heroine’s realization that she is being poisoned.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 4, 2026
He previously noted that the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics were a “guiding star” for his retirement, insinuating that he would likely hang up his racket following the games.
From MarketWatch ● Jan. 12, 2026
Not to be outdone, Johnson responded to the poop jet video by somehow insinuating there is an elevated meaning to it.
From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 21, 2025
The articles highlighted by Brown criticise her hair, face, body and style, with some insinuating she looks much older than she is.
From BBC ● Mar. 4, 2025
Even with his machines humming and advertisements for his products insinuating themselves into all aspects of American life, Duke wasn’t satisfied with his market share.
From "The Best of Enemies" by Osha Gray Davidson
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
