Definition of INSINUATION

insinuation

Plural: insinuations

Noun

  • an indirect (and usually malicious) implication
  • the act of gaining acceptance or affection for yourself by persuasive and subtle blandishments
    • "she refused to use insinuation in order to gain favor"
  • The act or process of insinuating; a creeping, winding, or flowing in.
  • The act of gaining favor, affection, or influence, by gentle or artful means; — formerly used in a good sense, as of friendly influence or interposition.
  • The art or power of gaining good will by a prepossessing manner.
  • That which is insinuated; a hint; a suggestion, innuendo or intimation by distant allusion

Examples

  • "Slander may be conveyed by insinuations."

Origin / Etymology

Borrowed from Middle French insinuation, from Old French, from Latin insinuatio, from īnsinuō (“to push in, creep in, steal in”), from in (“in”) + sinus (“a winding, bend, bay, fold, bosom”).

Scrabble Score: 11

insinuation is a valid Scrabble (US) TWL word
insinuation is a valid Scrabble Word in Merriam-Webster MW Dictionary
insinuation is a valid Scrabble Word in International Collins CSW Dictionary

Words With Friends Score: 15

insinuation is a valid Words With Friends word