Insinuating

Insinuating is the act of suggesting or hinting at something in an indirect or covert manner. It often carries a negative connotation, implying a subtle suggestion of wrongdoing or ill intentions. The term is frequently associated with a clever form of manipulation whereby one makes implications without overtly stating them, thus allowing for plausible deniability. This can create an atmosphere of doubt or suspicion in social or professional contexts.

Insinuating meaning with examples

• During the meeting, her insinuating remarks about his competence left everyone uncomfortable, suggesting she believed he was unsuited for the role, without directly saying so.
• The article was filled with insinuating comments about the politician’s integrity, hinting that he had ulterior motives without providing any concrete evidence to back the claims.
• As they exchanged glances, he made an insinuating comment about her lifestyle, implying that she was more interested in luxury than genuine relationships, which upset her deeply.
• The teacher's insinuating tone while providing feedback suggested that he believed the student's effort was lacking, prompting an uncomfortable silence in the classroom.
• In their conversation, she used insinuating language to imply that her colleague was untrustworthy, creating an atmosphere of tension within the team.