insinuate

verb

in·​sin·​u·​ate in-ˈsin-yə-ˌwāt 

-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

in-ˈsin-yə-ˌwā-tiv 

-yü-ˌā-

adjective

insinuator

in-ˈsin-yə-ˌwā-tər 

-yü-ˌā-

noun

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When to Use Insinuate

Insinuating involves a kind of figurative bending or curving around your meaning: you introduce something—an idea, an accusation, a point of view—without saying it directly. The winding path is visible in the word’s etymology: insinuate comes from the Latin verb sinuare, meaning "to bend or curve," which in turn comes from the Latin noun sinus, meaning "curve." The influence of Latin sinus is visible elsewhere too: in the mathematical terms sine and cosine, the adjective sinuous ("having many twists and turns"), and the noun sinus ("any of several spaces in the skull that connect with the nostrils").

Synonyms

• infiltrate
• insert
• sneak
• worm
• slip
• introduce

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

Some right-wing influencers and MAGA-friendly news outlets seized on the killer’s gender identity, insinuating that the shooting had something to do with them being trans. —Charlie Warzel, The Atlantic, 4 Sep. 2025

Waller, the Miami Dolphins’ top offensive addition this offseason, missed the media’s viewing portion of Thursday’s practice, which coach Mike McDaniel insinuated the veteran tight end was being rested Wednesday to ensure his participation. —Omar Kelly, Miami Herald, 4 Sep. 2025

While speaking with Vogue's correspondent Emma Chamberlain on the blue carpet at the 2025 Met Gala, Kardashian insinuated that her daughter was embodying the spirit of fashion icon Joan Rivers. —Catherine Santino, People.com, 2 Sep. 2025

But within that slightly eccentric look, Dano gives a wily and insinuating performance. —Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 31 Aug. 2025

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

Rhymes for insinuate

• sinuate

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Kids Definition

insinuate

verb

in·​sin·​u·​ate in-ˈsin-yə-ˌwāt 

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

in-ˈsin-yə-ˌwāt-ər 

noun