insinuation
- 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.
Origin of insinuation
Examples from the Web for insinuation
Contemporary Examples of insinuation
But the insinuation that it contains an inherent nefarious motive is simply a means of dismissing the content.
Technically true, but highly misleading in its insinuation that American jobs are being moved overseas.
But now the insinuation is racial: Clinton made those lazy blacks work, and Obama wants to go back to giving them “free stuff.”
Its insinuation into the economy of Iran had been widely observed for years.
Historical Examples of insinuation
Again that distasteful expression fraught with distrust and insinuation.
ThoroughbredsW. A. Fraser
De Naarboveck did not seem to understand the insinuation conveyed.
A Nest of SpiesPierre Souvestre
If she could repel Madame Beattie's insinuation, it must mean she had something on her side.
The PrisonerAlice Brown
He was an adept in the art of insinuation; besides that, he knew "every one."
Luttrell Of ArranCharles James Lever
But she, too, was stung to wrath by the insinuation which his words contained.
Kept in the DarkAnthony Trollope
insinuation
- an indirect or devious hint or suggestion
- the act or practice of insinuating
Word Origin and History for insinuation
1520s, from Latin insinuationem (nominative insinuatio) "entrance through a narrow way; an ingratiating oneself," noun of action from past participle stem of insinuare (see insinuate).