insinuate

verb

in·​sin·​u·​ate in-ˈsin-yə-ˌwāt How to pronounce insinuate (audio)
-yü-ˌāt
insinuated; insinuating

transitive verb

1
a
: to impart or suggest in an artful or indirect way : imply
I resent what you're insinuating.
b
: to introduce (something, such as an idea) gradually or in a subtle, indirect, or covert way
insinuate doubts into a trusting mind
2
: to introduce (someone, such as oneself) by stealthy, smooth, or artful means

intransitive verb

1
archaic : to enter gently, slowly, or imperceptibly : creep
2
archaic : to ingratiate oneself
insinuative adjective
insinuator noun

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When to Use Insinuate

Insinuate comes from the Latin root sinuare, meaning "to bend or curve." It is a synonym of imply or suggest; however, insinuate usually conveys something unpleasant is said in a sly or underhanded way.

Choose the Right Synonym for insinuate

introduce, insert, insinuate, interpolate, intercalate, interpose, interject mean to put between or among others.

introduce is a general term for bringing or placing a thing or person into a group or body already in existence.

introduced a new topic into the conversation

insert implies putting into a fixed or open space between or among.

inserted a clause in the contract

insinuate implies introducing gradually or by gentle pressure.

insinuated himself into the group

interpolate applies to the inserting of something extraneous or spurious.

interpolated her own comments into the report

intercalate suggests an intrusive inserting of something in an existing series or sequence.

new chapters intercalated with the old

interpose suggests inserting an obstruction or cause of delay.

interpose barriers to communication

interject implies an abrupt or forced introduction.

interjected a question

suggest, imply, hint, intimate, insinuate mean to convey an idea indirectly.

suggest may stress putting into the mind by association of ideas, awakening of a desire, or initiating a train of thought.

a film title that suggests its subject matter

imply is close to suggest but may indicate a more definite or logical relation of the unexpressed idea to the expressed.

measures implying that bankruptcy was imminent

hint implies the use of slight or remote suggestion with a minimum of overt statement.

hinted that she might get the job

intimate stresses delicacy of suggestion without connoting any lack of candor.

intimates that there is more to the situation than meets the eye

insinuate applies to the conveying of a usually unpleasant idea in a sly underhanded manner.

insinuated that there were shady dealings

Examples of insinuate in a Sentence

years were needed for the agent to insinuate himself into the terrorist organization are you insinuating that I won by cheating?
Recent Examples on the Web California elections Trump insinuated that rampant voter fraud prevented him and other Republicans from winning in California. Gillian Brassil, Sacramento Bee, 25 Feb. 2024 Oswald is charming and charismatic to a fault, insinuating himself into the stage role Guy hoped to play. Peter Debruge, Variety, 22 Jan. 2024 No emotion lasts long enough to even insinuate a semblance of stability, a reflection of Malu’s mental health that, to no avail, Joana wants to get her help with. Carlos Aguilar, Variety, 27 Jan. 2024 As Oliver insinuates himself into that circle at their estate, Saltburn, his apparent obsession with Felix grows — even to the point of drinking his bathwater. Jack Smart, Peoplemag, 9 Jan. 2024 Smith continued, explaining that these allegations exposed how desperate the Truthers had become, further insinuating that other media clips—in which the president topples to the ground—were heavily doctored and likely the result of a foreign disinformation campaign. Elliot Ackerman, WIRED, 5 Feb. 2024 Getty Images On Monday night, Kimmel started his show by bringing up his recent dispute with Rodgers, who seemingly insinuated on the Pat McAfee Show last week that Kimmel didn't want a supposed list of Epstein associates to come out. Christopher Brito, CBS News, 9 Jan. 2024 The Bancroft Garden mingles common and uncommon plants in close quarters, one plant insinuating itself among the others like dear friends and good neighbors. Sacramento Bee, 30 Jan. 2024 Without throwing any teammates under the bus, some Warriors and coach Steve Kerr insinuated that some players are splintering off to tend to personal agendas. Shayna Rubin, The Mercury News, 1 Jan. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'insinuate.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Latin insinuatus, past participle of insinuare, from in- + sinuare to bend, curve, from sinus curve

First Known Use

1529, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1b

Time Traveler
The first known use of insinuate was in 1529

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Dictionary Entries Near insinuate

Cite this Entry

“Insinuate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/insinuate. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

insinuate

verb
in·​sin·​u·​ate in-ˈsin-yə-ˌwāt How to pronounce insinuate (audio)
insinuated; insinuating
1
: to introduce in a gradual, secret, or clever way
insinuated herself into his confidence
2
: to suggest in an indirect way : imply
insinuated that I had cheated
insinuation
(ˌ)in-ˌsin-yə-ˈwā-shən
noun
insinuator noun

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