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

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

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 One is to emphasize Iago—the guileful, insinuating convincingness of this malicious supervillain, who works on Othello to the point where any reasonable man would be deceived and fooled and worked into a rage that can lead to such a catastrophe. — David Frum, The Atlantic, 17 June 2026 As the escape-room activity kicks off — the guests have 30 minutes to find Aesha’s crew — the boys find plenty of opportunity to make insinuating jokes about tying up the girls, some (Coop) more wholesome than others (Luke). — Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 30 June 2026 Twice divorced and with two children from previous relationships, Parker, a country girl from Simms, Texas, had a history of quickly insinuating herself into the lives of new friends and craved attention, especially from men, says Bright. — Kc Baker, PEOPLE, 12 June 2026 Kyle teases the eventual Meija reveal by calling a huddle onstage with Kyle, Ciara, Carl, Ben and Mia during a break in the action, and insinuates that West got with Amanda for publicity purposes. — Marlow Stern, Variety, 3 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for insinuate

Recent Examples of Synonyms for insinuate

Verb

The Ukrainian military said Saturday that small groups of Russian soldiers had infiltrated the town, but counter-sabotage operations were ongoing.

— Tim Lister, CNN Money, 5 July 2026
Is there a level of insanity, vitriol and stupidity that is infiltrating almost every aspect of our modern society, regardless of your political or religious views?

— Joe Kinsey OutKick, FOXNews.com, 4 July 2026

Definition of infiltrate

Verb

Barclays in June raised its year-end target for the S&P 500 to 7,800 – implying a gain of 4% across the next six months.

— John Towfighi, CNN Money, 1 July 2026
Many modern brides now wear different outfits for the ceremony and reception, and reporting from Page Six implies that Swift will follow suit.

— Hannah Malach, InStyle, 30 June 2026

Definition of imply

Verb

Itanare, Flores and Luis Freites Arvilla would then take turns appearing to approach the ATM, insert a card and enter a PIN, withdraw cash, and then repeat the process.

— Jeanine Santucci, USA Today, 1 July 2026
Grill, uncovered, turning often, until charred in spots and an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of thighs and/or drumsticks registers 160°, about 5 minutes more.

— Inés Anguiano, Bon Appetit Magazine, 1 July 2026

Definition of insert

Verb

Koorimannil managed to sneak out a screenshot from his computer that AP and security nonprofit C4ADS used to identify the key to his productivity — a software platform called Kongtian Intelligent Customer Acquisition, or KT for short.

— ABC News, ABC News, 30 June 2026
In just its fourth World Cup appearance, Norway has the chance to sneak into the Round of 16 for the third time.

— Nick Harris, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 30 June 2026

Definition of sneak

Verb

Designed for evolving missions The latest award follows an earlier Titan procurement by JIATF-401, indicating continued confidence in the platform.

— Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 7 July 2026
The motion is unlikely to pass, but indicates how deeply politicized the issue has become.

— CNN Money, CNN Money, 7 July 2026

Definition of indicate

Verb

Instead of doubling down on a flawed system, policymakers can make gradual changes by introducing new tax categories in the existing framework and imposing taxes that correspond to the alcoholic content of that category.

— Adam Hoffer, Chicago Tribune, 5 July 2026
In its opening match, Cape Verde introduced itself with a draw against mighty Spain.

— Tim Rohan, NBC news, 4 July 2026

Definition of introduce

Verb

Heath hoped that the agent could worm his way even deeper into Red44.

— Keith O’Brien, New Yorker, 25 June 2026
The flea larvae, which look like tiny maggots, worm their way into the carpet or mattress, feeding on the flea dirt that their parents left behind, says Benson.

— Arricca Elin SanSone, Southern Living, 28 May 2026

Definition of worm

Verb

Bryan West The couple's nuptials reportedly will be a multi-day event; The New York Times suggested a smaller gathering of about 100 people will take place July 2, with a much bigger celebration on July 3.

— Bryan West, USA Today, 4 July 2026
The score might not suggest dominance, but Colombia controlled the game from the outset and held possession for nearly two-thirds of the match.

— Blair Kerkhoff, Kansas City Star, 4 July 2026

Definition of suggest

Browse Nearby Words

insincerity

insinuate

insinuated

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Style

“Insinuate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/insinuate. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of insinuate

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