Insinuate, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Insinuated; p. pr. & vb. n. Insinuating.]
Etymology: [L. insinuatus, p. p. of insinuareto insinuate; pref. in- in + sinus the bosom. See Sinuous.]
1. To introduce gently or slowly, as by a winding or narrow passage, or a gentle, persistent movement. The water easily insinuates itself into, and placidly distends, the vessels of vegetables. Woodward.
2. To introduce artfully; to infuse gently; to instill. All the art of rhetoric, besides order and clearness, are for nothing else but to insinuate wrong ideas, move the passions, and thereby mislead the judgment. Locke. Horace laughs to shame all follies and insinuates virtue, rather by familiar examples than by the severity of precepts. Dryden.
3. To hint; to suggest by remote allusion; -- often used derogatorily; as, did you mean to insinuate anything
4. To push or work (one's self), as into favor; to introduce by slow, gentle, or artful means; to ingratiate; -- used reflexively. He insinuated himself into the very good grace of the Duke of Buckingham. Clarendon.
1 more senses
Syn. -- To instill; hint; suggest; intimate.
1 other Webster entry under this spelling
Insinuate, v. i.
1. To creep, wind, or flow in; to enter gently, slowly, or imperceptibly, as into crevices.
2. To ingratiate one's self; to obtain access or favor by flattery or cunning. He would insinuate with thee but to make thee sigh. Shak. To insinuate, flatter, bow, and bend my limbs. Shak.
Shades of meaning
Fernald has no entry of its own for insinuate; he lists it under allude.
He lists it without comment; the entries above explain its neighbors.