Definition of insinuatenext

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 The Deflategate fallout is one reason sports talk insinuated Polian, a member of the Hall of Fame who has a vote, was behind Belichick’s snub. Merlisa Lawrence Corbett, Forbes.com, 29 Jan. 2026 The song insinuated that Lamar had cheated on his fiancée and was physically violent with her. Nancy Dillon, Rolling Stone, 21 Jan. 2026 The judge, who inherited Maxwell’s case after the trial judge was appointed to an appeals court, ruled that has no authority to supervise the department’s compliance with the new law, and that Massie and Khanna have no standing, or legal right, to insinuate themselves into Maxwell’s case. Michael R. Sisak, Los Angeles Times, 21 Jan. 2026 O’Connell insinuated Minnesota has tried to get a deal done with Flores prior to this point, to no avail. Jace Frederick, Twin Cities, 13 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for insinuate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for insinuate
Verb
  • Based on a 2019 Cosmopolitan article, the limited series follows an undercover investigator, played by Chastain, who infiltrates domestic extremist groups to thwart catastrophic large-scale attacks.
    Cheyenne Roundtree, Rolling Stone, 15 Feb. 2026
  • And the public needs to be aware of the advances and take action, especially if your phone has been infiltrated.
    Molly McCrea, CBS News, 13 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • Traditionally, programming a robot implied writing thousands of lines of code to define every movement.
    Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 16 Feb. 2026
  • Words like bankrupt and default imply some sort of sudden collapse.
    Steve Booren, Denver Post, 15 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • Oulonger 12-Pack In-Ground Solar Pathway Lights These solar lawn lights also have a stake, and can be easily inserted into the ground so that the actual light is level with the lawn surface.
    Stephanie Osmanski, Better Homes & Gardens, 5 Feb. 2026
  • The rookie, who turned 20 last week, is enjoying an excellent season and has at least inserted his name into the Calder Trophy finalist conversation alongside Matthew Schaefer, the New York Islanders’ fantastic 18-year-old defenseman.
    Eric Stephens, New York Times, 4 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • Carolyn sneaks into a gala; Klein, the fairy godmother, introduces her to the instantly besotted prince, John.
    Doreen St. Félix, New Yorker, 14 Feb. 2026
  • If your goal is to be able to sneak in earlier or add on an extra service, remember that typically stylists’ schedules are intentionally very tight.
    Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 14 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • The recent batch of labor market data (both public and private) indicated that there’s a high likelihood that job growth was tepid, that unemployment remained subdued and that health care remained a primary driver of overall hiring.
    Alicia Wallace, CNN Money, 11 Feb. 2026
  • However, documents indicate that the friendship continued.
    Stephanie Nolasco, FOXNews.com, 11 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • Carolyn sneaks into a gala; Klein, the fairy godmother, introduces her to the instantly besotted prince, John.
    Doreen St. Félix, New Yorker, 14 Feb. 2026
  • Its launch builds on the success of the Côte d’Ivoire edition, introduced in 2017, and marks the 51st international edition of Elle, owned by French publishing group Lagardère.
    Lily Templeton, Footwear News, 14 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • Her strange presence in Georgia — where Gabbard reportedly arranged for FBI agents to make a post-raid call to the president — looks like nothing more than a way to worm her way back into his good graces.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 4 Feb. 2026
  • Callahan spent much of season 4 trying to worm inside Kyle's head and lure him over to the Aryans in order to undercut Mike, but Kyle managed to resist his twisted siren song.
    Randall Colburn, Entertainment Weekly, 28 Dec. 2025
Verb
  • The White House did not address whether Tuesday’s vote would lead to Trump relying more heavily on executive action — something the president himself seemed to suggest during his interview with Kudlow.
    Naomi Lim, The Washington Examiner, 12 Feb. 2026
  • The ballot measure advanced on Tuesday suggests a temporary 2% increase to the city’s 14% transient occupancy tax — often called a bed or hotel tax — dropping to a permanent post-Games 1% increase starting in 2029.
    Sandra McDonald, Los Angeles Times, 11 Feb. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Insinuate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/insinuate. Accessed 16 Feb. 2026.

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