umbrage

Synonym Chooser

How is the word umbrage distinct from other similar nouns?

Some common synonyms of umbrage are dudgeon, huff, offense, pique, and resentment. While all these words mean "an emotional response to or an emotional state resulting from a slight or indignity," umbrage may suggest hurt pride, resentment, or suspicion of another's motives.

took umbrage at the offer of advice

When would dudgeon be a good substitute for umbrage?

Although the words dudgeon and umbrage have much in common, dudgeon suggests an angry fit of indignation.

stormed out of the meeting in high dudgeon

When could huff be used to replace umbrage?

The words huff and umbrage can be used in similar contexts, but huff implies a peevish short-lived spell of anger usually at a petty cause.

in a huff he slammed the door

When is offense a more appropriate choice than umbrage?

While the synonyms offense and umbrage are close in meaning, offense implies hurt displeasure.

takes deep offense at racial slurs

When can pique be used instead of umbrage?

The meanings of pique and umbrage largely overlap; however, pique applies to a transient feeling of wounded vanity.

in a pique I foolishly declined the invitation

When might resentment be a better fit than umbrage?

While in some cases nearly identical to umbrage, resentment suggests lasting indignation or ill will.

harbored a lifelong resentment of his brother

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 umbrage Hunter also took umbrage at a comment from one of Sheryl’s brothers about her, the judge, taking Ferguson away from his adult son after the son had already lost his mother. Sean Emery, Oc Register, 17 Sep. 2025 Move too quickly, and the die-hards who flock to Fox News and Fox Sports will take umbrage. Brian Steinberg, Variety, 15 Sep. 2025 That Carroll took such umbrage only increased Harbaugh’s smile, making for a better story. Jay Paris, Forbes.com, 11 Sep. 2025 Critics have said Trump conceded too much to Putin and took umbrage with the talks ending without an agreement. Kate Plummer, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for umbrage
Recent Examples of Synonyms for umbrage
Noun
  • Lloyd evaded a diving Mahomes, Kareem Hunt and a streaking Tyquan Thornton for a huff-and-puff 99-yard interception return for a touchdown.
    Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 7 Oct. 2025
  • Kemp looked at the ceiling and blew a huff of air when Schwartz announced the sentence.
    Dave Smith, Fortune, 24 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • Our hero is also being coveted by a crime boss, and as he gets pulled further and further into this world, Farrell has to show his inner violence and anger breaking through.
    Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 30 Oct. 2025
  • Symptoms can include memory loss, impulse control problems, anxiety, depression and anger issues.
    Jen Christensen, CNN Money, 30 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • With appointment supporters in the majority, Canepa expressed frustration.
    Ryan Macasero, Mercury News, 29 Oct. 2025
  • Now, Kiya Tomlin’s journey into fashion started with frustration.
    Kimberly Wilson, Essence, 29 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • This explains the indignation of those carrying college debt who demanded Joe Biden make their loans go away.
    Boston Herald editorial staff, Boston Herald, 29 Oct. 2025
  • No one should forget that songs and lyrics, especially during dark and troubled times, can create awareness, be used to arouse indignation, even bring about social change.
    Ray Rahman, Vulture, 23 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • The same survey found more than half of those who support their parents have incurred debt while providing help, and almost half feel resentment toward their parents because of the financial burden.
    Madeline Mitchell, USA Today, 3 Nov. 2025
  • The presidents of Colombia and Mexico have criticized the attacks, and others have warned of the resentment in the hemisphere were an intervention to follow.
    Alan McPherson, The Conversation, 2 Nov. 2025
Noun
  • Beck is in a state of high dudgeon, because there’s a big shipment due and two of his drivers are AWOL.
    Chris Klimek, Vulture, 20 Feb. 2025
  • Close’s game, canny performance of reliving her own past couldn’t quite obscure the ungainliness of some of Webber’s songs, the dudgeon and occasional monotony of the sung-through score, or the strain of trying to generate plot friction in a story with only four major characters.
    Daniel D'Addario, Variety, 21 Oct. 2024
Noun
  • Mahama breaks off in exasperation.
    Charlie Campbell, Time, 30 Oct. 2025
  • Some councilmembers reacted to the extension with exasperation Wednesday.
    Elliott Wenzler, Denver Post, 22 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Recognized by the National Eczema Association, Biossance Squalane + Marine Algae Eye Cream is fragrance-free and packed with gentle ingredients like squalane, glycerin, and panthenol to hydrate and soothe without irritation.
    Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 3 Nov. 2025
  • The irascible Cox has spent years prodding Day-Lewis in interviews over his acting techniques, largely as a way of explaining his irritation with Succession co-star (and Day-Lewis’s fellow Method actor) Jeremy Strong.
    Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 3 Nov. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Podcast

Cite this Entry

“Umbrage.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/umbrage. Accessed 6 Nov. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on umbrage

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!