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insinuation

[ in-sin-yoo-ey-shuhn ]
/ ɪnˌsɪn yuˈeɪ ʃən /
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noun
an indirect or covert suggestion or hint, especially of a derogatory nature: She made nasty insinuations about her rivals.
covert or artful suggestion or hinting, as of something implied: His methods of insinuation are most ingenious.
subtle or artful instillment into the mind.
the art or power of stealing into the affections and pleasing; ingratiation: He made his way by flattery and insinuation.
Archaic. a slow winding, worming, or stealing in.
Obsolete. an ingratiating act or speech.
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Origin of insinuation

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
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use insinuation in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for insinuation

insinuation
/ (ɪnˌsɪnjʊˈeɪʃən) /

noun
an indirect or devious hint or suggestion
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
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