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
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 message pressed every button on England’s paranoid fringes: an insinuation of support for Hamas, an apparent denigration of British history and memory by a Muslim left-winger, and a sense of backroom deals being done.
—
Peter Guest, WIRED, 26 Mar. 2024
Still, the family was astonished that an official elected to represent the needs of children would make the same insinuation.
—Karin Brulliard, Washington Post, 26 Feb. 2024
The senators have made vague insinuations about national security in their opposition to the acquisition.
—Dominic Pino, National Review, 20 Dec. 2023
Cline’s insinuation that the teen girl, who is cisgender, was a boy playing girls’ basketball is especially pointed in Utah, where conservative figures have made anti-trans policies a highlight of the legislative agenda in recent years.
—Kim Bellware, Washington Post, 12 Feb. 2024
In a new interview with Howard Stern, the sports TV personality passionately raved about his admiration for both Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce, pushing back against the radio personality’s insinuation that the Kansas City Chiefs offensive lineman is depending on the pop star for a career boost.
—Hannah Dailey, Billboard, 25 Jan. 2024
But Finch’s insinuation is Minnesota could be more opportunistic in the transition department.
—Jace Frederick, Twin Cities, 16 Jan. 2024
The insinuations surrounding Wendy’s family lack tact, and discussing them on national television lacks the discretion that the African community deserves.
—Shelby Stewart, Essence, 12 Jan. 2024
Unlike its reporting today, though, Forbes’s reporting back then wasn’t filled with all manner of insinuation and innuendo.
—Becket Adams, National Review, 24 Dec. 2023
Peter Guest, WIRED, 26 Mar. 2024
Still, the family was astonished that an official elected to represent the needs of children would make the same insinuation.
—Karin Brulliard, Washington Post, 26 Feb. 2024
The senators have made vague insinuations about national security in their opposition to the acquisition.
—Dominic Pino, National Review, 20 Dec. 2023
Cline’s insinuation that the teen girl, who is cisgender, was a boy playing girls’ basketball is especially pointed in Utah, where conservative figures have made anti-trans policies a highlight of the legislative agenda in recent years.
—Kim Bellware, Washington Post, 12 Feb. 2024
In a new interview with Howard Stern, the sports TV personality passionately raved about his admiration for both Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce, pushing back against the radio personality’s insinuation that the Kansas City Chiefs offensive lineman is depending on the pop star for a career boost.
—Hannah Dailey, Billboard, 25 Jan. 2024
But Finch’s insinuation is Minnesota could be more opportunistic in the transition department.
—Jace Frederick, Twin Cities, 16 Jan. 2024
The insinuations surrounding Wendy’s family lack tact, and discussing them on national television lacks the discretion that the African community deserves.
—Shelby Stewart, Essence, 12 Jan. 2024
Unlike its reporting today, though, Forbes’s reporting back then wasn’t filled with all manner of insinuation and innuendo.
—Becket Adams, National Review, 24 Dec. 2023
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'insinuation.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near insinuation
Cite this Entry
“Insinuation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/insinuation. Accessed 24 Apr. 2024.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share