Synonym Chooser

How is the word insinuate distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of insinuate are hint, imply, intimate, and suggest. While all these words mean "to convey an idea indirectly," insinuate applies to the conveying of a usually unpleasant idea in a sly underhanded manner.

insinuated that there were shady dealings

When is hint a more appropriate choice than insinuate?

The meanings of hint and insinuate largely overlap; however, hint implies the use of slight or remote suggestion with a minimum of overt statement.

hinted that she might get the job

How are the words imply and suggest related as synonyms of insinuate?

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

When could intimate be used to replace insinuate?

While in some cases nearly identical to insinuate, intimate stresses delicacy of suggestion without connoting any lack of candor.

intimates that there is more to the situation than meets the eye

When can suggest be used instead of insinuate?

The words suggest and insinuate are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, 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

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of insinuate Taken together, these policies insinuate that for some people, simply existing is the crime. Kate Caldwell, Mercury News, 30 Sep. 2025 As Kelce added to a couple weeks ago by imitating Mahomes as payback for Mahomes insinuating Kelce couldn’t find Brazil on the map. Kansas City Star, 18 Sep. 2025 In an interview, Piagentini said the poster insinuates violence toward people with opinions that differ. Killian Baarlaer, Louisville Courier Journal, 12 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 See All Example Sentences for insinuate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for insinuate
Verb
  • Even with fewer boaters on the water, the threat of aquatic nuisance species infiltrating your favorite lake remains.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 21 Oct. 2025
  • Indeed, a 2020 study found that meltwater trickling into Antarctica’s ice shelves could infiltrate cracks and force them open, a precursor to marine ice cliff instability that DeConto and colleagues envisioned.
    Evan Howell, Quanta Magazine, 20 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • And pretty much all of the data suffer from the reality that, as any stats teacher will remind you, correlation does not necessarily imply causation.
    Stephanie H. Murray, The Atlantic, 21 Oct. 2025
  • Morgan Stanley's 12-month price target of $800 implies 18% upside.
    Liz Napolitano, CNBC, 21 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • The Blue Jays inserted Barger specifically to get lefty Anthony Banda into the game and force a pitching change.
    Fabian Ardaya, New York Times, 25 Oct. 2025
  • In addition, many Department of Education employees who were furloughed were surprised to see a message blaming Democrats for the government shutdown inserted into their out-of-office replies.
    The NPR Network, NPR, 24 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • The night before an away game in Knoxville, Russ and Danny must sneak out of the team hotel and go on a dangerous mission behind enemy lines.
    Billie Melissa, MSNBC Newsweek, 22 Oct. 2025
  • Whatever your topping of choice, anyone can relate to this pup sneaking a slice.
    Dave Quinn, PEOPLE, 21 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • The quarterback might touch the $1,000 poker chip or tap his chin or touch his black chips to indicate who at the table had the best hand.
    Rob Wile, NBC news, 24 Oct. 2025
  • Reason for Wausau's closure isn't clear In the letter, a formal notification that complies with the Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act of 1988, Wausau's group vice president of the snow and ice division, JP Bourque, did not indicate the reason for the company's closure.
    Jim Riccioli, jsonline.com, 23 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • So in 2017, the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases formally recommended parents introduce children under the age of 3 to allergens like nuts.
    Cara Lynn Shultz, PEOPLE, 21 Oct. 2025
  • Aquatic nuisance species are non-native plants and animals that can cause ecological or economic harm, or even harm to human health if introduced to a body of water.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 21 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • After a scramble from Baltimore’s corner kick, Kerr’s header at the back post wormed through a thicket of defenders, and Cuthbert had the final touch.
    Cerys Jones, New York Times, 16 Oct. 2025
  • This story has wormed its way into all levels of British cultural output.
    Will Collins, The Washington Examiner, 19 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Critics have also raised concerns about the use of private donors, suggesting there could be a conflict of interest at play.
    Ashleigh Fields, The Hill, 25 Oct. 2025
  • To suggest that another candidate’s supporters are criminals — particularly when that candidate is, by all measures, poised to win at least a plurality of votes in the city — does not seem like a recipe for earning New Yorkers’ support.
    New York Times, New York Times, 25 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Insinuate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/insinuate. Accessed 26 Oct. 2025.

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