insult 1 of 2

insult

2 of 2

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
Support for the reform has only grown in recent months as Mexico has fended off insults, threats of tariffs and even the specter of U.S. military intervention from President Trump. Kate Linthicum, Los Angeles Times, 13 Mar. 2025 The outrage, insults, and lack of accountability her comments garnered proved her point. Andre Gee, Rolling Stone, 10 Mar. 2025
Verb
And those who don’t insult her are making their ire for the industry her fault. Andre Gee, Rolling Stone, 10 Mar. 2025 One trauma nurse who messaged Axios said she was insulted by the question. Emily Peck, Axios, 25 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for insult
Recent Examples of Synonyms for insult
Verb
  • When Davis asked if she was offended by his desire to keep things lowkey, Taylor laughed it off.
    EW.com, EW.com, 17 Mar. 2025
  • The father, who everyone thinks will be offended by a guest’s outburst at the Sabbath table, laughs in delight.
    Judith Shulevitz, The Atlantic, 16 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • Investors did not appreciate his sarcasm either, and the stock is down 2.6% since GTC25 kicked off.
    Karl Freund, Forbes, 21 Mar. 2025
  • Her boozy, blustering sarcasm should be entered into evidence as a blunt instrument.
    Tom Gliatto, People.com, 20 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • His move outraged many in the party who want to fight the Trump agenda, but gave senators room to side with Republicans and allow the continuing resolution, often described as a CR, to advance.
    Kevin Freking, Twin Cities, 14 Mar. 2025
  • His move outraged many in the party who want to fight the Trump agenda, but gives senators room to side with Republicans and allow the continuing resolution, often described as a CR, to advance.
    Kevin Freking, Chicago Tribune, 14 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • Anyone who has suffered the indignity of a splinter, a blister, or a paper cut knows that small things can sometimes be hugely annoying.
    Nate Anderson, Ars Technica, 22 Mar. 2025
  • His hair is long, his blood-alcohol level is high, and his decision-making (as evidenced by his haircut, among other indignities) isn’t exactly seaworthy.
    Ben Travers, IndieWire, 9 Mar. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Insult.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/insult. Accessed 29 Mar. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on insult

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!