insinuation

noun

1. (countable, uncountable)The act or process of insinuating; a creeping, winding, or flowing in.
2. (countable, uncountable)The act of gaining favor, affection, or influence, by gentle or artful means; — formerly used in a good sense, as of friendly influence or interposition.
3. (countable, uncountable)The art or power of gaining good will by a prepossessing manner.
4. (countable, uncountable)That which is insinuated; a hint; a suggestion, innuendo or intimation by distant allusion

   “Slander may be conveyed by insinuations.”