hintingly
In oblique fashion
In a manner that suggests something indirectly rather than stating it outright.
The word is rare and unnecessary—hinting already implies indirectness, making the adverb redundant: She hintingly mentioned that she'd never been to Paris says nothing that She hinted she'd never been to Paris doesn't say better.
Angled, not straightforward
- roundaboutCircular junction for traffic
- circuitousIndirect, winding path
- ellipticalOval-shaped or indirect
- implicitUnderstood without being stated
tacit · veiled · ambiguous · cryptic · equivocal · opaque · circumlocutory · periphrastic
Indirect reference to something
- innuendoOblique disparaging remark
- implicationIndirect suggestion or consequence
- insinuationIndirect, usually negative suggestion
- intimationIndirect indication of something
connotation · overtone · undercurrent · subtext · nuance · whisper · nudge · wink
Playful, mild ridicule
- playfulInclined toward fun
- flirtatiousPlayfully romantic in manner
- coquettishPlayfully alluring in manner
- demureModestly reserved in manner
bashful · elusive · evasive · enigmatic · mysterious · alluring · charming · whimsical
oblique
Angled, not straightforward
- roundaboutCircular junction for traffic
- circuitousIndirect, winding path
- ellipticalOval-shaped or indirect
implicit · tacit · veiled · ambiguous · cryptic · equivocal · opaque · circumlocutory · periphrastic · allusively
allusion
Indirect reference to something
- innuendoOblique disparaging remark
- implicationIndirect suggestion or consequence
- insinuationIndirect, usually negative suggestion
intimation · connotation · overtone · undercurrent · subtext · nuance · whisper · nudge · wink · nod
teasing
Playful, mild ridicule
- playfulInclined toward fun
- flirtatiousPlayfully romantic in manner
- coquettishPlayfully alluring in manner
demure · bashful · elusive · evasive · enigmatic · mysterious · alluring · charming · whimsical · arch
diplomatic
Tactful and sensitive
gentle · considerate · sensitive · measured · careful · understated · judicious · prudent · gracious · politic