What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
allude
Example
He alluded to his past mistakes during the interview. [alluded: past tense]
Example
The speaker alluded to the upcoming changes without giving any specifics. [alluded: verb]
insinuate
Example
She insinuated that he was cheating on her with his coworker. [insinuated: past tense]
Example
The politician insinuated that his opponent was involved in illegal activities. [insinuated: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Allude is more commonly used than insinuate in everyday language. Allude is versatile and can be employed in various contexts, while insinuate is less common and often used in negative or suspicious situations.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between allude and insinuate?
Allude is more formal than insinuate, which is often used in informal contexts. However, both words can be used in formal and informal situations depending on the context and tone of the communication.
