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

In a recent interview at the Charlotte Chess Center, Giannatos kept coming back to Kramnik and the effect the grandmaster’s insinuations seemed to have on Naroditsky’s psyche. —Théoden Janes, Charlotte Observer, 18 Dec. 2025

The legends’ insidious insinuation that many of the Jews around Jesus were not as perceptive as the animals is part of medieval Europe’s widespread antisemitism. —Mary Dzon, The Conversation, 12 Dec. 2025

Intended or not, leveraging or not, the insinuation sure seems to be that without more such financial support for the program Drinkwitz would be more likely to leave for a job that would better enable that prospect. —Kansas City Star, 18 Nov. 2025

There are enough famous names, insinuations, and revelations that the messages are inherently newsworthy. —Charlie Warzel, The Atlantic, 14 Nov. 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