verb

insinuate

ihn-SIHN-yoo-ayt

verb

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."

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 notes

In 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

more insinuate comparative, insinuated past tense, insinuates singular, most insinuate superlative

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The article _____ that the mayor had taken bribes.

From Latin insinuare ("to push in, creep in"), from in- ("in") + sinus ("a curve, fold, bay").

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