verb
insinuate
ihn-SIHN-yoo-ayt
Insinuate (verb) means to hint at something, usually something negative, without stating it outright. Example: “Are you insinuating that I lied to you?”
verb
1
To hint at something, usually something negative, without stating it outright.
"Are you insinuating that I lied to you?"
"The article insinuated that the mayor had taken bribes."
2
To work oneself into a position, often through subtle or scheming means.
"He slowly insinuated himself into the family's trust."
How to use insinuate
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo suggest something indirectly, especially something unflattering, or to worm your way into a position.
Common mistake
Insinuate a fact/accusation vs. insinuate oneself into a group — both senses exist, so check the context.
Common pairings
insinuate that
insinuate oneself into
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Word forms
- Third person singular
- insinuates
- Past tense
- insinuated
- Comparative
- more insinuate
- Superlative
- most insinuate
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The article _____ that the mayor had taken bribes.
Etymology
From Latin insinuare ("to push in, creep in"), from in- ("in") + sinus ("a curve, fold, bay").
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for insinuate
See all rhymes for insinuate →Frequently asked questions
What does “insinuate” mean?
The word “insinuate” means to hint at something, usually something negative, without stating it outright. In plain terms, to suggest something indirectly, especially something unflattering, or to worm your way into a position.
How do you pronounce “insinuate”?
“Insinuate” is pronounced ihn-SIHN-yoo-ayt (/ɪnˈsɪnjueɪt/ in IPA).
How do you use “insinuate” in a sentence?
Here is “insinuate” used in a sentence: “The article insinuated that the mayor had taken bribes.”
What part of speech is “insinuate”?
“Insinuate” is a verb.
Where does the word “insinuate” come from?
The word “insinuate” comes from Latin. From Latin insinuare ("to push in, creep in"), from in- ("in") + sinus ("a curve, fold, bay").
How many meanings does “insinuate” have?
“Insinuate” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to hint at something, usually something negative, without stating it outright.
