invective

1 of 2

noun

in·vec·tive in-ˈvek-tiv

Synonyms of invective next

: insulting or abusive language : vituperation

: an abusive expression or speech

invective

2 of 2

adjective

: of, relating to, or characterized by insult or abuse

invectively adverb

invectiveness noun

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Invective originated in the 15th century as an adjective meaning "of, relating to, or characterized by insult or abuse," but by the early 16th century, it was functioning as a noun referring to a harsh verbal attack, and within a few decades, to abusive language as a whole. Invective is similar to verbal abuse, but in addition to being a more formal term than abuse, invective tends to suggest not only anger and vehemence but also rhetorical skill. It sometimes also implies public denunciation, as in "blistering political invective."

Choose the Right Synonym for invective

abuse, vituperation, invective, obloquy, billingsgate mean vehemently expressed condemnation or disapproval.

abuse, the most general term, usually implies the anger of the speaker and stresses the harshness of the language.

scathing verbal abuse

vituperation implies fluent and sustained abuse.

a torrent of vituperation

invective implies a comparable vehemence but suggests greater verbal and rhetorical skill and may apply to a public denunciation.

blistering political invective

obloquy suggests defamation and consequent shame and disgrace.

subjected to obloquy and derision

billingsgate implies practiced fluency and variety of profane or obscene abuse.

directed a stream of billingsgate at the cabdriver

Examples of invective in a Sentence

Noun a barrage of racist invective hurled curses and invective at the driver who heedlessly cut them off in traffic Adjective an overbearing, bullying boss who is fond of sending invective e-mails to long-suffering assistants

Recent Examples on the Web

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.

Noun

But the invective obscured a salient truth: many people were still unclear about where Harris stood on some of the central issues. —

Evan Osnos, The New Yorker, 13 Oct. 2024 But over the weekend his invective was turned directly on Navarro. —

Tom Tapp, Deadline, 16 Sep. 2024

Adjective

For those trying to come to terms with a particularly tumultuous election year full of deep divisions, ideological invective and personal insults, guidance can come from a historical figure whose insights into American politics still prove useful. —

Steven Watts, The Conversation, 23 Sep. 2024 But a showdown between Biden and Trump in the 2020 election proved off-putting, with Trump refusing to stay quiet when his opponent talked and both candidates hurling invective at their opponent. —

Brian Steinberg, Variety, 1 Aug. 2024 See all Example Sentences for invective

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

Middle English invectif, from Middle French, from Latin invectivus, from invectus, past participle of invehere

First Known Use

Noun

1523, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Adjective

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of invective was in the 15th century

See more words from the same century

Cite this Entry

Style

“Invective.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/invective. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.

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Kids Definition

invective

noun

in·vec·tive

in-ˈvek-tiv

: harsh or insulting words

Last Updated: 18 Oct 2024 - Updated example sentences

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invective

noun

adjective

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Synonyms

Examples of invective in a Sentence

Word History

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