apophasis

noun

Meaning

The rhetorical device of bringing up a subject by pointedly claiming that one is not going to mention it.

Examples

  • By saying 'I will not even address the rumors of his dishonesty,' the speaker masterfully employed apophasis to plant the idea in the audience's minds.
  • The author's use of apophasis allowed her to criticize the company's failures while maintaining a facade of professional restraint.

Synonyms: paralipsis, insinuation, implication, hint