insinuate

[ in-sin-yoo-eyt ]
/ ɪnˈsɪn yuˌeɪt /

verb (used with object), in·sin·u·at·ed, in·sin·u·at·ing.

to suggest or hint slyly: He insinuated that they were lying.
to instill or infuse subtly or artfully, as into the mind: to insinuate doubts through propaganda.
to bring or introduce into a position or relation by indirect or artful methods: to insinuate oneself into favor.

verb (used without object), in·sin·u·at·ed, in·sin·u·at·ing.

to make insinuations.

Origin of insinuate

1520–30; < Latin insinuātus, past participle of insinuāre to work in, instill. See in-2, sinuous, -ate1

SYNONYMS FOR insinuate

1 See hint.
2 introduce, inject, inculcate.

OTHER WORDS FROM insinuate

Example sentences from the Web for insinuative

British Dictionary definitions for insinuative

insinuate
/ (ɪnˈsɪnjʊˌeɪt) /

verb

(may take a clause as object) to suggest by indirect allusion, hints, innuendo, etc
(tr) to introduce subtly or deviously
(tr) to cause (someone, esp oneself) to be accepted by gradual approaches or manoeuvres

Derived forms of insinuate

insinuative or insinuatory, adjective insinuator, noun

Word Origin for insinuate

C16: from Latin insinuāre to wind one's way into, from in- ² + sinus curve