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 of insinuation

• innuendo
• imputation
• suggestion

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

Believing our conduct improper, the villagers began to make insinuations. —Literary Hub, 28 May 2026

However, there is some insinuation of corruption, which is interesting considering Paul took umbrage when the legitimacy of his fights was called into question recently. —Brian Mazique, Forbes.com, 27 May 2026

But whatever one thinks of Massie’s anti-Israel activism and anti-Jewish insinuations, neither was the reason he was excised. —Yair Rosenberg, The Atlantic, 20 May 2026

Jones, who lived in San Francisco for years before moving to Napa, refuted the insinuation of carpetbagging. —Jake Goodrick, Sacbee.com, 27 Mar. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1526, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Rhymes for insinuation

• abdication
• aberration
• abjuration
• abnegation
• abrogation
• acceptation
• acclamation
• acclimation
• accusation
• activation
• actuation
• acylation