insult 1 of 2

insult

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verb

Synonym Chooser

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

Example 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
Many of those fans, who share Swift's political beliefs as a Democrat, then flooded Brittany's pages with insults and attacks. Jackson Thompson, Fox News, 18 Jan. 2025 Social media is Trump’s territory, and its norms—insults without consequence, braggadocio, and flame wars—line up neatly with his way of doing politics. Jay Caspian Kang, The New Yorker, 16 Jan. 2025
Verb
Some people may feel slighted or insulted by your detailed explanations. Ryley Amond, CNBC, 31 Dec. 2024 Cooper’s comment — while said light-heartedly — likely refers to a 2021 incident in which Cohen claims he was served too much alcohol during the live event, leading him to insult a competing New Year’s broadcast on ABC hosted by Ryan Seacrest. Toria Sheffield, People.com, 29 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for insult 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for insult
Verb
  • MacMurray advises placing a small air purifier, like the Levoit Core Mini ($50) in the offending closet.
    Diana Budds, Architectural Digest, 16 Jan. 2025
  • Online sleuths connected the offending fan to a New Jersey management consulting firm, BCT Partners, that denounced its employee’s behavior.
    David K. Li, NBC News, 15 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • So when he was asked about changing the starting lineup for Monday night’s game against the LA Clippers, Finch slathered on an extra layer of sarcasm to his response.
    Jon Krawczynski, The Athletic, 7 Jan. 2025
  • Sitting in chairs in the classroom, the student playing the role of a police officer used some sarcasm when approaching his classmate, who was acting as the driver.
    Steve Sadin, Chicago Tribune, 6 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • But Democrats and some Republicans in the Senate are outraged by the decision.
    Jane Mayer, The New Yorker, 14 Jan. 2025
  • The outcome of the investigation outraged the Fernandez and Puig families.
    David Goodhue, Miami Herald, 2 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • Together the besties are annoyed by the mundanity of their jobs, from fielding ridiculous customer complaints to suffering the indignity of having their service summoned by a bell on a pop-up flag installed on the tables.
    Courtney Howard, Variety, 16 Jan. 2025
  • In one final indignity, UCLA’s Lazar Stefanovic, trying desperately to foul Bailey in the final seconds, did so only for the top NBA prospect to make a shot after Stefanovic grabbed him.
    Ben Bolch, Los Angeles Times, 14 Jan. 2025

Thesaurus Entries Near insult

Cite this Entry

“Insult.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/insult. Accessed 31 Jan. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on insult

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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