Definition of insolent
1 : insultingly contemptuous in speech or conduct : overbearing
2 : exhibiting boldness or effrontery : impudent
insolent
nouninsolently
adverbExplore M-W
Examples of insolent in a Sentence
… the tempos were all-out fast and the tone was flat-out insolent. To some, rock-and-roll was as threatening as Communism and desegregation. —Margo Jefferson, New York Times, 26 Oct. 1994
Sweating, cursing the whole Mickey Mouse operation, they paced themselves with their own insolent complaints while the foreman cursed loudest … —Jayne Anne Phillips, Granta, Spring 1991
They could go days without food or water; they could withstand burning heat … ; and if they were horribly cruel to their captives, they could themselves accept torture with insolent defiance. —James A. Michener, Texas, 1985
Insolent behavior will not be tolerated.
an appallingly insolent reply to a reasonable request
Recent Examples of insolent from the Web
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Horn calls peaked the enormous tutti crescendos, and Till approached his somber end with an insolent whistle from clarinet.
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On the surface, Hyun-su is an insolent young punk trying to pick a fight with anybody who crosses his path.
These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'insolent'. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Origin and Etymology of insolent
Middle English, from Latin insolent-, insolens unaccustomed, overbearing, from in- + solens, present participle of solēre to be accustomed; perhaps akin to Latin sodalis comrade — more at sib
First Known Use: 14th century
Synonym Discussion of insolent
INSOLENT Defined for English Language Learners
insolent
playDefinition of insolent for English Language Learners
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: rude or impolite : having or showing a lack of respect for other people
INSOLENT Defined for Kids
insolent
playDefinition of insolent for Students
: showing lack of respect for rank or authority
insolently
adverbLearn More about insolent
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Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for insolent Spanish Central: Translation of insolent Nglish: Translation of insolent for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of insolent for Arabic speakers
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