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

Examples 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 Rebecca De Mornay starred as a twisted widow who, distraught over losing her own baby, insinuates herself into a family as their nanny, with the ultimate goal of taking the kids and the husband for herself. —

Borys Kit, The Hollywood Reporter, 3 Dec. 2024 De La Soul insinuates they were blindsided by High and Rising’s publication on November 19. —

Mosi Reeves, Rolling Stone, 27 Nov. 2024 The National People's Congress (NPC) press conference insinuated that the trade-in policy will likely be expanded, with details potentially coming from the mid-December China Economic Work Conference (CEWC). —

Brendan Ahern, Forbes, 26 Nov. 2024 Kennedy, on the other hand, has insinuated that there's a link between Big Pharma and the rise of chronic disease, casting doubt not only on the price of drugs — the more conventional topic of political debate — but their safety as well. —

Caitlin Owens, Axios, 21 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for insinuate

Recent Examples of Synonyms for insinuate

Verb

The resurgence shows that the Chinese government isn't backing down from its quest to infiltrate American utilities in preparation for a potential destructive cyberattack.

Sam Sabin, Axios, 10 Dec. 2024
Sunni Muslim rebels infiltrated Lebanon, clashing with Lebanese soldiers and Hezbollah, abducting locals and setting off suicide bombs.

Lauren Frayer, NPR, 9 Dec. 2024