PoliticsJuly 17, 2026

insinuation

/ɪnˌsɪnjuˈeɪʃən/

Definition

An unpleasant or manipulative hint or indirect suggestion, typically made to cast doubt on someone's reputation or the validity of a claim.

Etymology

Derived from the Latin 'insinuare,' meaning to push into a winding or narrow passage. It evolved in English to describe the act of 'winding' oneself into another's confidence or gradually introducing an idea in a subtle, often devious way.

In the news

In the article, the term refers to the indirect, unsubstantiated suggestions made by the administration to cast doubt on the integrity of the election process. By using official documents to frame these claims, the administration uses insinuation to bypass formal evidence.

Trump Brings Full Weight of Government to Bolster False Election Claims

Read the full article ↗

The New York Times

Related words

Learn a word like this every day

Meet one new word every morning.

Newspoken pulls one carefully chosen word from the day’s news — with a clear definition, context, and light review that makes it stick. Get it on your phone.

Not for marketing. One email on launch day.