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 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 In February, Charli also shared a companion album for Emerald Fennell’s film adaptation of Wuthering Heights, which featured John Cale and Sky Ferreira (although Ferreira took some umbrage with the release, claiming that the soundtrack drew significantly on her old demos). Hattie Lindert, Pitchfork, 10 May 2026 Desmond took particular umbrage with that program. Lucas Robinson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 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
  • Jennifer Wedel, whose daughter graduated from Heritage Christian Academy, has been outspoken about her frustration and anger at Eric Crawford allowing his son to work around children.
    Rachel Royster July 23, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 23 July 2026
  • Much of the public’s anger was directed at Syrskyi, who became a symbol of deeper frustrations that had accumulated within the military since Russia's full-scale invasion in 2022.
    ABC News, ABC News, 23 July 2026
Noun
  • That is why there has been such a deluge of anger and frustration from the public, even more than from the tournament exits under Southgate.
    Jack Pitt-Brooke, New York Times, 19 July 2026
  • In a Thursday episode of The Ben Shapiro Show, Shapiro hit Vance particularly over his comments on the latter topic and his views on Americans’ frustration with the country’s economic system over the past few decades.
    Molly Parks, The Washington Examiner, 17 July 2026
Noun
  • Mind you, Miss Manners agrees with your indignation at this fraudulent maneuver.
    Judith Martin, Mercury News, 21 July 2026
  • And Anne Hathaway, in a bravura performance, situates Penelope on an emotional precipice, caught between indecision and indignation, between yearning for her husband and a palpable disgust with the alternatives.
    Justin Chang, New Yorker, 17 July 2026
Noun
  • That path can lead to feelings of disappointment, bitterness and resentment.
    Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 21 July 2026
  • Getting the plan on the table early keeps a routine bill from turning into a lasting resentment.
    Ashley Lynch, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 21 July 2026
Noun
  • Maybe the high public dudgeon is just envy masquerading as principle.
    Jeffrey Kluger, Time, 12 June 2026
  • 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
Noun
  • The implosion of Platner’s candidacy—first bit by bit and then all at once—has Democrats nationwide throwing up their hands in exasperation.
    Elaine Godfrey, The Atlantic, 9 July 2026
  • At a certain point, the admiration for Paraguay’s underdog defiance and spoiling strategy gave way to exasperation.
    Adam Crafton, New York Times, 5 July 2026
Noun
  • Invest in Personalized Treatments The sun can be incredibly stressful on your scalp, causing dryness, irritation and buildup that can ultimately affect the health of your hair.
    Jackie Fields, PEOPLE, 19 July 2026
  • Formulas that contain a high percentage of salicylic acid are always too strong for me, ripping through my skin’s barrier and causing more breakouts and irritation.
    Kaitlin Clapinski, InStyle, 18 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Umbrage.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/umbrage. Accessed 25 Jul. 2026.

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