insinuate
1 of 1verb/ɪnˈsɪnjueɪt/
Forms:insinuates,insinuating,insinuated,insinuated
1
to suggest something in an indirect manner
C2transitive- During the discussion, she insinuated that her colleague was taking credit for her ideas without directly accusing him.
- The politician strategically insinuated a connection between his opponent and a controversial business deal, casting doubt on the opponent's integrity.
- Instead of openly expressing dissatisfaction, he insinuated his disappointment by making sarcastic comments about the team's performance.
- The gossip columnist insinuated a romantic relationship between the two actors, sparking rumors without concrete evidence.
- In the meeting, the employee subtly insinuated that the manager's decision might have been influenced by personal biases.
2
to gradually move oneself or a thing into a particular place or position by elusive manipulation
transitive- The politician insinuated her agenda into the committee's discussions without directly addressing it.
- The salesman insinuated his product into the customer's consideration by highlighting its benefits.
- The spy insinuated himself into the enemy's organization by gaining the trust of key personnel over time.
- The con artist insinuated himself into the victim's life by posing as a trustworthy friend.
- She insinuated her way into the social circle by attending events where she knew influential members would be present.