Insinuate — Defs

01 v. t. To introduce gently or slowly, as by a winding or narrow passage, or a gentle, persistent movement.

imp. & p. p. Insinuated; p. pr. & vb. n. Insinuating

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.

Syn. To instill; hint; suggest; intimate.

02 v. i. To creep, wind, or flow in; to enter gently, slowly, or imperceptibly, as into crevices.

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.