a slap in the face
noun phrase
: a surprising act that offends or insults someone
Her decision to leave the company to work for our competitors was a slap in the face.
Examples of a slap in the face in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
This executive order constitutes a blatant abuse of executive power and is a slap in the face to Congress and the electorate.
—
Dan Perry, Newsweek, 19 Feb. 2025
In addition, the limited refund window seems like a slap in the face to people who were willing to spend extra money to be early adopters.
—Ars Technica, 19 Feb. 2025
This ad is a lie that serves as a slap in the face of all hardworking female athletes.
—Jackson Thompson, Fox News, 10 Feb. 2025
Some suggested on social media that the way Trump handled his swearing-in, so to speak, was a slap in the face to evangelical Christians who have so staunchly supported Trump.
—Josh Meyer, USA TODAY, 20 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for a slap in the face
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Dan Perry, Newsweek, 19 Feb. 2025
In addition, the limited refund window seems like a slap in the face to people who were willing to spend extra money to be early adopters.
—Ars Technica, 19 Feb. 2025
This ad is a lie that serves as a slap in the face of all hardworking female athletes.
—Jackson Thompson, Fox News, 10 Feb. 2025
Some suggested on social media that the way Trump handled his swearing-in, so to speak, was a slap in the face to evangelical Christians who have so staunchly supported Trump.
—Josh Meyer, USA TODAY, 20 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for a slap in the face
Cite this Entry
“A slap in the face.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/a%20slap%20in%20the%20face. Accessed 9 Mar. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share