insinuation

American  

[in-sin-yoo-ey-shuhn] / ɪnˌsɪn yuˈeɪ ʃən /

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.

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insinuation British  

/ ɪnˌsɪnjʊˈeɪʃən /

noun

1. an indirect or devious hint or suggestion

2. the act or practice of insinuating

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Other Word Forms

• preinsinuation noun

Etymology

Origin of insinuation

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

Explanation

An insinuation is a sly way of saying something, usually something insulting. It can also be a way of worming your way into a group or situation. "You're dumb!" is an insult. An insinuation is different: it's a way of indirectly saying something. Insinuation evolved from the Latin insinuationem, meaning "entrance through a narrow way.” So an insinuation is like an insult that sneaks in the back door. Mentioning that your cousin could try harder in school could be an insinuation that your cousin’s lazy. Another kind of insinuation is when someone, often through flattery, gets herself accepted by others. Both kinds of insinuations are sneaky.

Example Sentences

"Any insinuation, without evidence, that a member of the government engaged in these acts is baseless and irresponsible," a White House spokesperson told several media outlets.

From Barron's • Mar. 27, 2026

“Any insinuation from any party opining that filing decisions are made—or, in this case, not made—in an effort to influence crime data is unaware, uneducated, or uninformed about how our office operates,” Chapman said.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 16, 2025

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

From BBC • Jun. 12, 2025

That’s all nonsense too, but I remain especially befuddled by the insinuation that it’s somehow sinister or unpatriotic for “entities” “controlled” by “domestic companies” to oppose tariffs.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 4, 2025

But then suddenly, following a particularly heinous insinuation against his employer, my father brought the car to an abrupt halt.

From "The Remains of the Day" by Kazuo Ishiguro

Related Words

• innuendo