INSULT Synonyms: 91 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'insult' distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of insult are affront , offend , and outrage . While all these words mean "to cause hurt feelings or deep resentment," insult suggests deliberately causing humiliation, hurt pride, or shame. // insulted every guest at the party

Q: When might 'affront' be a better fit than 'insult'?

The synonyms affront and insult are sometimes interchangeable, but affront implies treating with deliberate rudeness or contemptuous indifference to courtesy. // deeply affronted by his callousness

Q: When would 'offend' be a good substitute for 'insult'?

The words offend and insult are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, offend need not imply an intentional hurting but it may indicate merely a violation of the victim's sense of what is proper or fitting. // hoped that my remarks had not offended her

Q: Where would 'outrage' be a reasonable alternative to 'insult'?

The words outrage and insult can be used in similar contexts, but outrage implies offending beyond endurance and calling forth extreme feelings. // outraged by their accusations

insult 1 of 2

noun

ˈin-ˌsəlt

Definition of insult next

as in offence

an act or expression showing scorn and usually intended to hurt another's feelings panelists on that political talk show simply exchange insults, not ideas

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

insult

2 of 2

verb

in-ˈsəlt

as in to offend

to cause hurt feelings or deep resentment in insulted their hosts by casually remarking about the outdated look of their home

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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How is the word insult distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of insult are affront, offend, and outrage. While all these words mean "to cause hurt feelings or deep resentment," insult suggests deliberately causing humiliation, hurt pride, or shame.

insulted every guest at the party

When might affront be a better fit than insult?

The synonyms affront and insult are sometimes interchangeable, but affront implies treating with deliberate rudeness or contemptuous indifference to courtesy.

deeply affronted by his callousness

When would offend be a good substitute for insult?

The words offend and insult are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, offend need not imply an intentional hurting but it may indicate merely a violation of the victim's sense of what is proper or fitting.

hoped that my remarks had not offended her

Where would outrage be a reasonable alternative to insult?

The words outrage and insult can be used in similar contexts, but outrage implies offending beyond endurance and calling forth extreme feelings.

outraged by their accusations

Examples Sentences

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.

Recent Examples of insult

Noun

These microaggressions are insults targeting individuals of diverse identities that invalidate their knowledge and expertise. —

Topsie Vandenbosch, Forbes, 19 Dec. 2024 This ex-military force faces off against a gang of aggressive Gen Z trash-talkers who call them Boomer bush campers, an insult that neither Jack nor I understand. —

Sara Netzley, EW.com, 19 Dec. 2024

Verb

And now insult me with the dubious claim about your self-serving fiction being more important than the truth. —

Ayad Akhtar, The Atlantic, 4 Dec. 2024 The French Lutin fae can turn malicious if insulted, ruining crops and frightening animals. —

Erik Kain, Forbes, 27 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for insult

Recent Examples of Synonyms for insult

Verb

Opponents of name changes for ethical reasons argue that any name or word can potentially offend someone and that the meanings of words change over time.

The Editors, JSTOR Daily, 12 Dec. 2024
For a long time, she was known for trolling online, posting controversial content to go viral and often offending various communities in the process.

Jack Irvin, People.com, 11 Dec. 2024