Definition of umbragenext

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 Others like Charles Johnson took umbrage with the new rankings. Brian Mazique, Forbes.com, 23 June 2026 Vigna has taken umbrage at the suggestion that the company doesn’t have anything to offer in terms of technological advances. Phil Wahba, Fortune, 29 May 2026 Wilson took umbrage with Moise framing her as unable to run her district — and balked at the idea that a congressional member should resign from their role if they’re considered too ill or too old. Miami Herald, 29 May 2026 Met by protests Brittin was met at the front of the BBC’s New Broadcasting House HQ in London by a small group of protesters holding National Union of Journalists placards, taking umbrage with the layoffs in the BBC News division. Max Goldbart, Deadline, 18 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for umbrage
Recent Examples of Synonyms for umbrage
Noun
  • Devers walked back to the dugout in a huff.
    Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 22 June 2026
  • Not everyone feels the same way, however, and some progressive parents and staff are in a huff.
    The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 19 May 2026
Noun
  • Lee’s film is motivated less by anger and more by curiosity, compassion and a general confusion, as no one quite knows how to behave or feel or just be.
    Joshua Rothkopf, Los Angeles Times, 18 Sep. 2026
  • In politics—according to Berman and, by extension, Longwell—the most convincing arguments play to love, sympathy, greed, fear, and anger.
    Isaac Arnsdorf, New Yorker, 18 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • Officials familiar with the higher casualty number expressed frustration that the additional loss of life is not reflected in the Pentagon's public casualty portal.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 19 Sep. 2026
  • Because the therapy is off-label, insurance routinely denies coverage, forcing clinicians and patients to improvise — a frustration that Dombo experienced firsthand.
    Khloe Quill, FOXNews.com, 19 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • This hampers several of my favorite performances, especially Harper, whose Ben is full of sarcastic indignation, and June Laporte as Ginny, an aspiring reporter in need of proper mentoring.
    Daniel Fienberg, HollywoodReporter, 19 Sep. 2026
  • Both our indignation when the wicked flourish and our sorrow when the righteous suffer have their source in this assumption.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 18 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • But the lingering resentments are probably rooted in your feelings about his grandfather – your brother – and the boy’s parents.
    R. Eric Thomas, Chicago Tribune, 19 Sep. 2026
  • Pay attention to where resentment, tension, or exhaustion keeps showing up.
    Tarot.com, The Orlando Sentinel, 19 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • Meanwhile, Will Forte gives a one-note performance as Avery, the lawyer who’s stuck in a mode of desperate high dudgeon.
    Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 12 Aug. 2026
  • Maybe the high public dudgeon is just envy masquerading as principle.
    Jeffrey Kluger, Time, 12 June 2026
Noun
  • Still, the suggestion that fashion removes sheep wool from its supply chain drew a breath of exasperation from some fashion insiders, and confusion from others.
    Bella Webb, Vogue, 16 Sep. 2026
  • Foulkes leveraged public exasperation over the cost and pace of the bridge project for her argument that McKee’s administration isn’t working for most Rhode Islanders.
    Kimberlee Kruesi, Fortune, 10 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • Veterinarian Kelly Hood adds that dogs with skin or respiratory sensitivities are especially vulnerable to irritation.
    Ryan Brennan, Sacbee.com, 19 Sep. 2026
  • My feelings about Dudamel as an interpreter have ranged from irritation at his turn-it-up-to-11 showiness to admiration for his ability to make listeners hear music afresh.
    Justin Davidson, Vulture, 18 Sep. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Umbrage.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/umbrage. Accessed 23 Sep. 2026.

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