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 The Wild coach insinuated on Wednesday that the coaches were discussing changing up the third defense pair and perhaps even the fourth line heading into Thursday night’s game. Michael Russo, New York Times, 24 Apr. 2025 The defense raised concerns that using the term would insinuate Kohberger physically touched the knife sheath. Alex Brizee, Idaho Statesman, 18 Apr. 2025 McAfee read from his phone, insinuating the text was from Kelce. Ryan Morik, FOXNews.com, 10 Apr. 2025 My distrust of Trump is anchored in his track record of personally courting white supremacists and neo-Nazis, spreading conspiracy theories featuring antisemitic tropes, and insinuating that Jewish-Americans have dual loyalty. Ben Krull, New York Daily News, 12 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for insinuate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for insinuate
Verb
  • Monkey Man told of a man who infiltrates a night club in order to exact vengeance on the man who killed his mother years earlier.
    Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 10 May 2025
  • Under Trump’s direction, Musk’s workers had already infiltrated much of the federal government in a lightning operation designed to overwhelm.
    Michael Wilner, Los Angeles Times, 29 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Pereira was seemingly addressing frustration, as the post implied he felt disrespected by not getting placement in the main event for UFC 317 this summer.
    Brian Mazique, Forbes.com, 10 May 2025
  • Jokic wasn’t the conniving villain implied by his pregame wardrobe.
    Bennett Durando, Denver Post, 10 May 2025
Verb
  • The device is inserted via the jugular vein and interfaces with the motor cortex.
    Dan Fitzpatrick, Forbes.com, 15 May 2025
  • Those who opt for implants could receive $75 at the time it is inserted, $100 six months after and $125 one year later.
    Nora O’Neill, Charlotte Observer, 15 May 2025
Verb
  • On Tuesday, Leo sneaked into the headquarters of his Augustinian order right off St. Peter’s Square.
    Mitra Taj, New York Times, 17 May 2025
  • For her first single after that triumph to only just sneak onto the Country Airplay ranking — and in last place — indicates a substantial and sustained promotional push behind the scenes.
    Hugh McIntyre, Forbes.com, 16 May 2025
Verb
  • Currently, there is no data indicating the containment progress of the fire and its cause has not yet been determined.
    CA WILDFIRE BOT, Sacbee.com, 18 May 2025
  • Discoveries indicate that coffee has significant antimicrobial properties that are effective against a range of bacterial, fungal, and viral pathogens in agriculture.
    Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 18 May 2025
Verb
  • Not all of these changes would come into force immediately upon the bill's passage, but all changes would be implemented within the coming decade. Low-Income Adults One of the main reforms is introducing new work requirements.
    Aliss Higham, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 May 2025
  • Like other invasives, the carp were introduced in the 1960s to help aquaculture in the South, but have since spread to 31 states.
    Charles Selle, Chicago Tribune, 14 May 2025
Verb
  • The pair share a complicated relationship from the early episodes of Season 1, where Sauron, disguised as a helpless traveler, wormed his way into her heart and good graces.
    Destiny Jackson, Deadline, 8 May 2025
  • This process has been a bit of a slog, with Google's models improving slowly while simultaneously worming their way into many beloved products.
    ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 2 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Pollock suggests adding a mocktail garden bar, a flower bar, and mini takeaway baskets with wildflower seeds to tie the theme together in a memorable way.
    Lauren Thomann, Better Homes & Gardens, 17 May 2025
  • In his plan, Voight suggested something along these lines too: a 10 to 20 percent federal rebate that would stack with any existing state credits.
    David Sims, The Atlantic, 17 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Insinuate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/insinuate. Accessed 21 May. 2025.

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