insinuator
One who implies
An insinuator is someone who introduces ideas indirectly or subtly, usually with manipulative intent.
The word carries negative connotations—an insinuator doesn't make accusations openly but plants suggestions through hints and implications: He was a skilled insinuator, never saying anything actionable but leaving suspicions everywhere.
The term can also describe someone who works their way into favor through ingratiation.
Crafty, deceitful planner
- conniverOne who schemes secretly
- intriguerOne who schemes secretly
- puppeteerPerformer controlling jointed figures
- cunningSly, scheming cleverness
devious · sly · crafty · guileful · underhanded · wily · calculating · maneuvering
Spread or defame
- slanderSpoken false defamation
- impugnAttack as false
- defameHarm reputation falsely
- aspersionDefamatory remark
calumny · mudslinger · backbiter · traducer · vilifier · rumor-monger · gossip · maligner
Suggesting indirectly
- implicationIndirect suggestion or consequence
- innuendoOblique disparaging remark
- allusionIndirect reference to something
- suggestionIdea proposed for consideration
veiled · indirect · oblique · understated · covert · tacit · implicit · nuanced
Moving like a crawler
- ingratiateSeek another's approval
- wheedlerOne who persuades through flattery
- flattererOne dispensing insincere praise
- sycophantServile praise-giver
toady · fawner · smooth-talker · charmer · beguiler · seducer · sweet-talker · cajoler
schemer
Crafty, deceitful planner
- conniverOne who schemes secretly
- intriguerOne who schemes secretly
- puppeteerPerformer controlling jointed figures
cunning · devious · sly · crafty · guileful · underhanded · wily · calculating · maneuvering · whisperer
smear
Spread or defame
aspersion · calumny · mudslinger · backbiter · traducer · vilifier · rumor-monger · gossip · maligner · detractor
hinting
Suggesting indirectly
- implicationIndirect suggestion or consequence
- innuendoOblique disparaging remark
- allusionIndirect reference to something
suggestion · veiled · indirect · oblique · understated · covert · tacit · implicit · nuanced · sidelong
worming
Moving like a crawler
- ingratiateSeek another's approval
- wheedlerOne who persuades through flattery
- flattererOne dispensing insincere praise
sycophant · toady · fawner · smooth-talker · charmer · beguiler · seducer · sweet-talker · cajoler · bootlicker
insinuatorstraight talker
One who communicates directly
straight shooter · truth-teller · honest broker · declarant · proclaimer
insinuatortruth-teller
One who speaks accurately
honest broker · straight shooter · defender · advocate · supporter
insinuate, insinuation, insinuating, insinuated, insinuates, insinuations, insinuators, insinuative