Word of the Day

: December 28, 2021

insinuate

verb in-SIN-yuh-wayt

What It Means

Insinuate means "to imply or suggest in a subtle or indirect way."

// When the teacher questioned the students about their test answers being the same, they knew she was insinuating that they had cheated.

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insinuate in Context

"Since training camp, Quinn has talked openly about his refreshed mindset and has insinuated he was too hard on himself during his struggles last season. He said a nagging back injury slowed him significantly in 2020 as well." — Dan Wiederer, The Chicago Tribune, 14 Nov. 2021

Did You Know?

Insinuate comes from the Latin root sinuare, meaning "to bend or curve." It is a synonym of imply or suggest; however, insinuate usually conveys something unpleasant is said in a sly or underhanded way.