What It Means
Insinuate means “to imply or suggest in a subtle or indirect way.”
// When the teacher questioned the students about their test answers being the same, they knew she was insinuating that they had cheated.
Examples
“Since training camp, Quinn has talked openly about his refreshed mindset and has insinuated he was too hard on himself during his struggles last season. He said a nagging back injury slowed him significantly in 2020 as well.” — Dan Wiederer, The Chicago Tribune, 14 Nov. 2021
Did You Know?
Insinuate comes from the Latin root sinuare, meaning “to bend or curve.” It is a synonym of imply or suggest; however, insinuate usually conveys something unpleasant is said in a sly or underhanded way.