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 Russian officials have repeatedly insinuated that Moscow could orchestrate attacks against members of the NATO military alliance, in response to their support of Ukraine throughout the war. John Yoo and John Shu, Newsweek, 23 Jan. 2025 Where another artist might rely on grotesque specifics to frighten the reader, Mignola’s insinuating expanses of black ink conceal all but the most necessary details of a rich and malevolent world, filled with monstrosities, yes, but also oddities, many of them delightful. Sam Thielman, New York Times, 20 Jan. 2025 Democrats spent a lot of time insinuating that Hegseth doesn’t want women to serve in combat. Nicole Russell, USA TODAY, 16 Jan. 2025 Staying long after the funeral, the seemingly benign Jérémie begins to casually insinuate himself into his late mentor’s family. Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 16 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for insinuate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for insinuate
Verb
  • So begins an elaborate plot to infiltrate a graphic designer awards event to confront his tormentor head-on.
    Eric Berger, Ars Technica, 14 Feb. 2025
  • The flooding led to water infiltrating 16 first-floor units and the management office at Betty Ann Gardens Apartments.
    Nollyanne Delacruz, The Mercury News, 13 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • Your question implies that there was something to lose.
    Jason Parham, WIRED, 14 Feb. 2025
  • Pivotal nearly doubled its target to $125 from $65 — implying 44% upside from Thursday’s close — while Wells Fargo upped its target to $129 from $74, which reflects more than 48% upside potential.
    Sean Conlon, CNBC, 14 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • During one of her MRIs, Lauren found a website that lets users insert photos into the Eras Tour poster format.
    Staff Author, People.com, 21 Feb. 2025
  • The young designer with Nigerian-Indian origins has incorporated files and documents into T-shirts, and has used a fading method on some of the pieces and inserted pieces of gold embroidery onto the shirts and dresses.
    Hikmat Mohammed, WWD, 21 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • Outside of Aspen, only Vail managed to sneak a home onto the state’s top 10 list.
    Aldo Svaldi, The Denver Post, 21 Feb. 2025
  • Microsoft cofounder Bill Gates used to sneak out of the house at just 13 to write and test out computer codes.
    Emma Burleigh, Fortune, 20 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • Asthmatic respiratory crisis indicates the pope struggled to maintain a sufficient oxygen level when breathing on his own, according to medical experts.
    Phoebe Natanson, ABC News, 23 Feb. 2025
  • Research indicates that relationship satisfaction tends to decrease between the ages of 20 and 40, reaching a low point around age 40.
    Mark Joseph, Newsweek, 23 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • This year's update is expected to revamp its slab-design, ditch the physical home button and introduce its FaceID feature, apart from camera and processor updates to support AI features, according to analysts and media reports.
    Akash Sriram, USA TODAY, 20 Feb. 2025
  • Tiana's Bayou Adventure at Magic Kingdom, which has consistently drawn large crowds since opening in June 2024, initially introduced a virtual queue to manage overwhelming demand.
    Matt Robison, Newsweek, 19 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • In recent years, inclusion mandates and training have wormed their way into virtually every facet of American life, including (but certainly not limited to) Hollywood, corporations and academia, just to name a few of the most prominent targets.
    Matt K. Lewis, Twin Cities, 9 Feb. 2025
  • While all this is going on, Chloe begins secretly hanging out and hooking up with Tyler's friend Ryan (West Mulholland), a sinister jock who worms his way into her good graces as a shoulder to cry on.
    Megan McCluskey, TIME, 24 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • In the final shot of Mullen standing by the water, De Niro's face suggests so much: regret, worry, or even satisfaction with what he's done.
    Patrick Ryan, USA TODAY, 23 Feb. 2025
  • The creator also offered me insights into the future of food content, suggesting a trend toward physical ventures.
    Ian Shepherd, Forbes, 22 Feb. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Insinuate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/insinuate. Accessed 27 Feb. 2025.

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