Synonyms for allusion
- noun
Most common
reference hint implication insinuation suggestion innuendo intimation
Definitions
- n. 1
An indirect reference; a hint; a reference to something supposed to be known, but not explicitly mentioned.
Forms
- Plural
- allusions → references, hints, implications, insinuations…
Example sentences
- reference Sami put Layla's name as a reference in his resume.
- hint Tom gets angry at the slightest hint of criticism.
- implication Her implication in the crime was obvious.
- insinuation His voice squeaked when he retorted her insinuation.
- suggestion The first suggestion proved to be too complicated.
- innuendo It's not easy to work under the shadow of innuendo.
Popularity over time
| Word | 1850 → 2019 | Trend |
|---|---|---|
| allusion | rising | |
| reference | falling | |
| hint | rising | |
| implication | steady | |
| insinuation | rising | |
| suggestion | falling |
Use in printed books, per decade from 1850 to 2019.
By length
- 4 letters
- hint1
- 8 letters
- innuendo4
- 9 letters
- reference3
- 10 letters
- suggestion3, intimation4
- 11 letters
- implication4, insinuation5
The small number after each word is its number of syllables (innuendo4 = 4 syllables).