Definitions

insinuating

[in-sin-yoo-ey-ting] / ɪnˈsɪn yuˌeɪ tɪŋ /

ADJECTIVE

provoking doubt

Synonyms

STRONG

intriguing

WEAK

evocative evocatory expressive giving an inkling indicative insinuative insinuatory pregnant redolent remindful reminiscent significative suggestive symbolic symptomatic

ADJECTIVE

attempting to gain favor

Synonyms

STRONG

charming crawling disarming flattering humble ingratiating serving toadying

WEAK

deferential ingratiatory obsequious saccharine silken smarmy soft sugary sycophantic unctuous

Antonyms

STRONG

disgusting repellent

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

He responded with, “There goes the house,” insinuating that he’s going to lose it.

From MarketWatch • Dec. 16, 2025

I have lived, Jhabvala said, like “a cuckoo forever insinuating myself into others’ nests.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 4, 2025

The articles highlighted by Brown criticise her hair, face, body and style, with some insinuating she looks much older than she is.

From BBC • Mar. 4, 2025

They ping-pong between insinuating Thurman was a bad person for not wanting to have twins and suggesting she was too dumb to understand what abortion even is.

From Salon • Sep. 19, 2024

His precise, insinuating delivery suggested horrors that Turner could not immediately grasp.

From "Atonement" by Ian McEwan

insinuating

Example Sentences

Related Words