Definition

1. Noun:
   • An indirect suggestion or hint, often negative: An insinuation is a remark that implies something negative or unpleasant without stating it directly.
   • The act of subtly and gradually introducing an idea or yourself into a situation: Insinuation can also refer to the process of gaining favor, acceptance, or position through subtle, indirect, or artful means.

Examples of Usage

• Noun:
  • His speech was full of nasty insinuations about his opponent's honesty.
  • She made an insinuation that I had not done my share of the work.
  • The art of political insinuation requires great skill.

Advanced Usage

• "by insinuation": through indirect suggestion.
  • He damaged her reputation by insinuation rather than direct accusation.
• "a tone of insinuation": a way of speaking that implies something indirect.
  • Her question was asked with a tone of insinuation that made him uncomfortable.

Variants and Related Words

• Insinuate (verb): To suggest or hint (something bad) in an indirect and unpleasant way; to maneuver oneself into a favorable position.
  • He insinuated that the report was falsified.
  • She managed to insinuate herself into the inner circle of power.
• Insinuating (adjective): Suggesting something unpleasant in an indirect way.
  • He gave her an insinuating smile.

Synonyms

• Implication: Something suggested without being directly stated.
• Innuendo: An indirect remark or hint, typically a suggestive or disparaging one.
• Hint: A slight or indirect indication or suggestion.

Related Phrases

• Veiled insinuation: An indirect suggestion that is deliberately disguised or softened.
  • The article contained a veiled insinuation of corruption.

Noun

1. the act of gaining acceptance or affection for yourself by persuasive and subtle blandishments
   • she refused to use insinuation in order to gain favor
2. an indirect (and usually malicious) implication