insinuation Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun an indirect (and usually malicious) implication
    innuendo.
  2. noun the act of gaining acceptance or affection for yourself by persuasive and subtle blandishments
    ingratiation.
    • she refused to use insinuation in order to gain favor

WordNet

In*sin"u*a`tion noun
Etymology
L. insinuatio: cf. F. insinuation.
Definitions
  1. The act or process of insinuating; a creeping, winding, or flowing in.
    By a soft insinuation mix'd With earth's large mass. Crashaw.
  2. The act of gaining favor, affection, or influence, by gentle or artful means; -- formerly used in a good sense, as of friendly influence or interposition. Sir H. Wotton.
    I hope through the insinuation of Lord Scarborough to keep them here till further orders. Lady Cowper.
  3. The art or power of gaining good will by a prepossessing manner.
    He bad a natural insinuation and address which made him acceptable in the best company. Clarendon.
  4. That which is insinuated; a hint; a suggestion or intimation by distant allusion; as, slander may be conveyed by insinuations.
    I scorn your coarse insinuation. Cowper.
    Syn. -- Hint; intimation; suggestion. See Innuendo.

Webster 1913