insinuation

noun

in·​sin·​u·​a·​tion (ˌ)in-ˌsin-yə-ˈwā-shən 

-yü-ˈā-

1

: something that is insinuated

especially : a sly, subtle, and usually derogatory utterance

2

: the act or process of insinuating

Synonyms

• imputation
• innuendo

Examples of insinuation in a Sentence

I resent her insinuation that I can't do it without her help.

He criticizes his opponents by insinuation rather than directly.

Recent Examples on the Web

Buck is taken aback by the insinuation, reminding Tommy that Eddie is straight. —Louis Peitzman, Vulture, 20 Mar. 2025

That power makes possible sincerity rather than insinuation; empathy rather than conviviality; sympathy rather than solicitude; conversation rather than communication; commitment rather than casual association. —Ann Hulbert, Harper's Magazine, 28 Feb. 2025

Just the same, there is an argument with the free-market champion’s insinuation that TikTok and other social media should be blamed for socialism’s alleged popularity. —John Tamny, Forbes, 4 Mar. 2025

And so Tyla’s comments were also taken as an insinuation of superiority over Black people. —Funmi Fetto, Vogue, 25 Feb. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1526, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Rhymes for insinuation

• abbreviation
• abomination
• acceleration
• accentuation
• accommodation
• accreditation
• acculturation
• accumulation
• acetylation
• adjudication
• administration
• adulteration