insinuate
/ɪnˈsɪnjueɪt/verb
To suggest something unpleasant in an indirect way instead of saying it outright.
Example sentences
- “Are you insinuating that I forgot on purpose?”
- “The article insinuated that the mayor had accepted bribes.”
Always hostile when aimed at people: 'What are you insinuating?' is a challenge. To insinuate yourself into a group is to work your way in slyly.