insinuation
insinuation Lexical Profile
insinuation Game Scores & Validity
• noun
An unpleasant or derogatory hint or suggestion communicated indirectly.
"She firmly rejected the reporter's insinuation that her research had been funded by special interest groups."
The act of maneuvering or working oneself gradually and artfully into a favorable position or someone's confidence.
"Through the slow insinuation of himself into the board's inner circle, he eventually gained control of the company."
Word Nuance & Usage
While 'implication' and 'suggestion' can be neutral, 'insinuation' almost always carries a negative connotation of slyness, malice, or underhanded accusation.
• Rhymes for insinuation
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
Borrowed in the late 14th century from Latin 'insinuationem', meaning an entrance by a narrow or crooked way or a creeping in, from the verb 'insinuare' (to wind into or introduce by windings), formed from 'in-' (in) and 'sinuare' (to bend or curve).