Definition

1. Verb:
   • To suggest something unpleasant in an indirect and often negative way: To hint or imply something, typically a negative idea or suspicion, without stating it directly.
   • To maneuver oneself into a favorable position or situation in a gradual, subtle, or artful way: To introduce or insert oneself into a group, conversation, or situation in a smooth, cunning, or indirect manner.

Usage Examples

• Verb (To suggest indirectly):
  • The article seemed to insinuate that the mayor was involved in the scandal.
  • He didn't accuse her directly; he just insinuated that she might have known about the plan.
• Verb (To insert oneself subtly):
  • Over weeks, she managed to insinuate herself into the inner circle of the company's leadership.
  • He insinuated his way into the discussion by casually agreeing with the main speaker.

Advanced Usage

• "to insinuate that...": A common structure used to introduce an indirect suggestion or hint.
  • Are you trying to insinuate that I am not telling the truth?
• "to insinuate oneself into something": A fixed phrase describing the subtle process of gaining entry or favor.
  • The spy's mission was to insinuate himself into the enemy organization.

Variants and Related Words

• Insinuation (n): The act of insinuating; an indirect or subtle suggestion, especially a negative one.
  • She was hurt by the insinuation that she had acted selfishly.
• Insinuating (adj): Having a meaning that is hinted at rather than stated directly; suggestive.
  • He gave her an insinuating look that made her uncomfortable.

Synonyms

• Imply: To strongly suggest the truth or existence of something not expressly stated.
• Hint: To suggest something indirectly or covertly.
• Intimate: To make known subtly and indirectly.
• Worm (oneself): To achieve a position or gain favor by insinuating oneself (often used with "into").

Related Phrases

• To make insinuations: To repeatedly hint at something negative.
  • The politician grew angry at the reporter for making insinuations about his past.

Notes on Meaning

The word insinuate often carries a negative connotation. When used to mean "to suggest indirectly," it typically implies the suggestion of something bad or disapproved of. When used to mean "to insert oneself," it implies the action is done in a sly, calculating, or manipulative way to gain an advantage.

Verb

1. give to understand
   • I insinuated that I did not like his wife
2. introduce or insert (oneself) in a subtle manner
   • He insinuated himself into the conversation of the people at the nearby table