insolence

noun

in·​so·​lence ˈin(t)-s(ə-)lən(t)s How to pronounce insolence (audio)
1
: the quality or state of being insolent
2
: an instance of insolent conduct or treatment

Examples of insolence in a Sentence

amazed that parents would tolerate such insolence from their teenaged children her frequent displays of insolence have lowered her standing among movie fans
Recent Examples on the Web Only this time, instead of sneering insolence, Matt Smith’s Daemon was near tears as the king ripped into his brother. Kimberly Roots, TVLine, 21 July 2024 Ever since Trump became a politician—and even before that—the most familiar images of him have been designed and disseminated by those who oppose him, to emphasize his insolence or his aura of threat. Benjamin Wallace-Wells, The New Yorker, 14 July 2024 In the worst-case scenario, the resistance escalated, paranoid readings of each party’s intentions dominated on both sides, and the classroom spiralled into suspicion, insolence, complaint, or outright rebellion. Merve Emre, The New Yorker, 11 July 2023 The insolence! Vulture, 16 Sep. 2022 See all Example Sentences for insolence 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'insolence.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of insolence was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near insolence

Cite this Entry

“Insolence.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/insolence. Accessed 5 Oct. 2024.

Kids Definition

insolence

noun
in·​so·​lence ˈin(t)-s(ə-)lən(t)s How to pronounce insolence (audio)
1
: the quality or state of being insolent
2
: an instance of insolent conduct or treatment

More from Merriam-Webster on insolence

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