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- pronunciation:
- ihn
sIn
yu
eIt
- parts of speech:
- transitive verb, intransitive verb
- features:
- Word Combinations (verb)
part of speech: |
transitive verb |
inflections: |
insinuates, insinuating, insinuated |
definition 1: |
to suggest (something derogatory) subtly and indirectly.
She didn't openly accuse him, but she insinuated that he'd been cheating during the game.- synonyms:
- imply, intimate
- similar words:
- asperse, hint, indicate, suggest
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definition 2: |
to use subtle and indirect means to advance (oneself).
He insinuated himself into the king's favor.- synonyms:
- ingratiate
- similar words:
- wheedle, wind, worm
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definition 3: |
to cause to be introduced by subtle and indirect means.
He insinuated fear among the ship's crew.- similar words:
- implant, infuse, inject, insert, instill, introduce
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related words: |
connote, foist, imply, intimate, rumor |
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part of speech: |
intransitive verb |
definition: |
to make subtle and suggestive remarks, esp. hinting at something derogatory.
He never criticizes us directly; he only insinuates.- synonyms:
- hint
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related words: |
allude |
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derivations: |
insinuative (adj.), insinuatively (adv.), insinuator (n.) |
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