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

The singer laughed off illicit insinuations that have taken the internet by storm since video of the interview went viral. — Ryan Coleman, Entertainment Weekly, 20 July 2026

Of course, Franken himself succumbed to the same type of allegations and insinuations. — Elisabeth Garber-Paul, Rolling Stone, 11 July 2026

Conservative Justices, bristling at insinuations of bias or partisanship, like to point to the significant share of cases that are decided unanimously. — Ruth Marcus, New Yorker, 30 June 2026

The Plums prickle at the lap-dog insinuation. — Ile-Ife Okantah, Vulture, 29 June 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