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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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to cause hurt feelings or deep resentment in insulted their hosts by casually remarking about the outdated look of their home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

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Supposedly, Emperor Caligula once killed a visiting guest for daring to wear it, interpreting their outfit as a direct insult to his power. —

Katy Kelleher, refinery29.com, 15 Oct. 2024 Calling someone a litterbug in the ‘90s was a major insult. —

Kara Nesvig, Parents, 9 Oct. 2024

Verb

The two musicians released several tunes, with each one aiming to insult and demean the other, while also showcasing the talents of the artist behind the cut. Lamar and Drake both ended up scoring big hits on the Billboard charts with their diss tunes. —

Hugh McIntyre, Forbes, 12 Oct. 2024 Mutt is a derogatory term (and can arguably be considered a slur) meant to insult people with biracial and multiracial identities. —

Giana Levy, refinery29.com, 8 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for insult

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