INSINUATE Synonyms: 70 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

insinuate

verb

in-ˈsin-yə-ˌwāt

Definition of insinuate next

as in to infiltrate

to introduce in a gradual, secret, or clever way years were needed for the agent to insinuate himself into the terrorist organization

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

as in to imply

to convey an idea indirectly are you insinuating that I won by cheating?

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to insert

to put among or between others quietly insinuated herself among the concertgoers raptly listening to the piano solo

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 proposition has been met with backlash online, as some believe the name insinuates a connection to the president or downplays the importance of the man who donated the land, whom it is named after. —

Greta Cross, USA Today, 18 Apr. 2026 Mora insinuated that an honest-to-goodness QB battle in FoCo could continue through the summer months. —

Sean Keeler, Denver Post, 5 Apr. 2026 After news of the explosive discovery of the explosives emerged, members of Orban’s government began insinuating that Ukraine was responsible for the plot. —

Tim Lister, CNN Money, 5 Apr. 2026 As Ross, Martin’s friend and confidante, Kevin Singer has the insinuating righteousness of a slinky cat, his line readings all mews and snarls. —

Steven Winn, San Francisco Chronicle, 3 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for insinuate

Recent Examples of Synonyms for insinuate

Verb

Even a senator's office appears to have been infiltrated.

— Vanessa Romo, NPR, 14 May 2026
In some areas, the guards themselves have been infiltrated or co-opted by criminal organizations.

— Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 13 May 2026