Insinuatingly

Insinuatingly describes a manner of speaking or behaving that subtly suggests or hints at something negative or unpleasant, often with the intent to subtly influence or manipulate someone. It implies a veiled approach, where the meaning is implied rather than explicitly stated, relying on suggestion, implication, and innuendo to convey the speaker's message or intent. This can be used to plant doubts, cast aspersions, or express disapproval in a disguised way. The tone often carries an undertone of slyness or indirect criticism.

Insinuatingly meaning with examples

• The detective, staring at the suspect, asked insinuatingly, "You wouldn't happen to know anything about the missing funds, would you?" His tone, soft but penetrating, suggested that he already had his suspicions, aiming to catch the suspect off guard and reveal a confession.
• During the board meeting, the CEO, glancing at his rival, commented insinuatingly, "It's remarkable how some individuals seem to benefit from corporate instability." This subtle remark, veiled in polite language, criticized his competitor's supposed gain from the company's problems.
• The gossip columnist wrote insinuatingly about the celebrity's personal life: "She's certainly been spending a lot of time with… different associates, lately," the writer’s words hinting at infidelity, with no outright accusations to avoid legal issues, only conveying an implied notion.
• At the dinner party, the host asked, with a wink, insinuatingly, "So, I hear you've been taking lots of 'working lunches' recently?" This suggests hidden meanings, potentially referencing romantic rendezvous, creating an air of shared knowledge or sly amusement.