Meaning & use
insinuated
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Suggested or hinted at something, usually unpleasant, in an indirect and often sly way.
See it in a sentence
The coach insinuated that the loss was the referee's fault, without saying so outright.
She felt hurt by the way he insinuated she hadn't worked hard enough.
A note on using this word
The past tense of 'insinuate'; also has a separate reflexive use, 'insinuated oneself,' meaning to gradually and cunningly gain influence or acceptance somewhere.
Words with a similar meaning
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Words with an opposite meaning
Another way to use it
2. verb
Gradually and cunningly worked one's way into a favorable position or group.
He insinuated himself into the family's confidence over several months.
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