insinuation

noun

in·​sin·​u·​a·​tion (ˌ)in-ˌsin-yə-ˈwā-shən 

-yü-ˈā-

1

: something that is insinuated

especially : a sly, subtle, and usually derogatory utterance

2

: the act or process of insinuating

Synonyms

• imputation
• innuendo

Examples of insinuation in a Sentence

I resent her insinuation that I can't do it without her help.

He criticizes his opponents by insinuation rather than directly.

Recent Examples on the Web

The other side: Councilmen Kerry McCormack and Hairston strenuously denied any insinuation of wrongdoing behind the scenes. —Sam Allard, Axios, 8 Apr. 2025

Trump, Musk so far provide scant evidence for their claims of government fraud Still, his insinuations that the presence of such information within SSA is nefarious or new is also misleading, experts said. —Alexandra Hutzler, ABC News, 19 Feb. 2025

Considering the months of discussion both sides put into reaching a deal and the political drama that led up to its final days, any insinuation of harmony might seem to onlookers like April Fools’. —Alice Yin, Chicago Tribune, 1 Apr. 2025

Any insinuation otherwise by tabloid ‘journalism’ is a slanderous lie — full stop. —Robert Faturechi, ProPublica, 4 Mar. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1526, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Rhymes for insinuation

• abbreviation
• abomination
• acceleration
• accentuation
• accommodation
• accreditation
• acculturation
• accumulation
• acetylation
• adjudication
• administration
• adulteration