Insinuate
hardNegative tonein-SIN-yoo-ayt
verb
Definition
to hint or suggest indirectly, usually something unpleasant
Memory hook
INSINUATE sounds like 'IN + SIN + you': slyly hinting that YOU committed a SIN without saying it outright.
Word roots
Learning roots unlocks whole word families. Study common GRE root words.
Examples
“He insinuated that her success was due to favoritism rather than merit.”
“She managed to insinuate herself into the family's confidence over months.”
Test yourself
Fill in the blank with the right word:
“He ______ that her success was due to favoritism rather than merit.”
Show answer
insinuated
Synonyms
Antonyms
Categories
GRE Tip
Insinuate is a hard-difficulty GRE word. On the GRE, you might see it paired with synonyms like "imply" or "intimate" in Sentence Equivalence questions. Look for contrast clues (however, despite, although) that signal the opposite meaning. Words like "state".
Related GRE Words
allude
To suggest or call attention to indirectly; to hint at
facetious
treating serious matters with inappropriate or flippant humor
aberrant
Deviating from what is normal or expected
acrimonious
Bitter and sharp in language or tone; caustic
aphoristic
Containing or characterized by aphorisms; concise and memorable
artless
free of guile or pretense; naturally simple and sincere
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