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 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 His ardent critics call him a peddler of dangerous misinformation, taking umbrage at Rogan’s decision to platform fringe voices such as Alex Jones and Milo Yiannopoulos. The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 1 Aug. 2025 The two-page memo delivers some bad news for the umbrage machine that churns out grievances that other, less pure conservatives may have missed. Debra J. Saunders, Oc Register, 10 July 2025 Trump reportedly took umbrage at Netanyahu accepting former President Biden’s victory in the 2020 presidential election. Niall Stanage, The Hill, 14 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for umbrage
Recent Examples of Synonyms for umbrage
Noun
  • Kemp looked at the ceiling and blew a huff of air when Schwartz announced the sentence.
    Dave Smith, Fortune, 24 Aug. 2025
  • Getty Images To date, the post has amassed more than 900 comments from TikTok viewers, many of them poking fun at the golden retriever mother's annoyed expression and shallow huffs.
    Melissa Fleur Afshar, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 June 2025
Noun
  • In the wake of a transfer deadline that brought anger and worry from many supporters, the Wolves chairman gave an interview of more than half an hour to the club’s in-house television channel.
    Steve Madeley, New York Times, 5 Sep. 2025
  • Others echo the same sentiment, stressing that his anger is more than understandable.
    Ashley Vega, PEOPLE, 5 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • As the Supreme Court increasingly shows frustration with the overreach of lower court judges, the justices could be motivated to take up cases more quickly on matters where lower courts are ignoring their emergency docket orders, such as with the firing of independent agency heads.
    Jack Birle, The Washington Examiner, 4 Sep. 2025
  • Advocates expressed frustration, emphasizing the need for comfortable and safe air travel for all passengers.
    Zach Wichter, USA Today, 4 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Well, St James’ Park threatens to be another level entirely for Liverpool’s visit: a Bank Holiday Monday, under the floodlights, with Newcastle and their fans seething with indignation about Alexander Isak’s behaviour and Liverpool’s pursuit of him.
    Oliver Kay, New York Times, 22 Aug. 2025
  • Chase resigned in indignation and took refuge at the League.
    Anne Halsey, JSTOR Daily, 6 Aug. 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
  • A number of other writers were exasperated by Hornby’s exasperation.
    Kelefa Sanneh, New Yorker, 25 Aug. 2025
  • After answering five questions in front of his locker on Thursday night — all of which circled around the topic of his future with the Carolina Panthers — Hunter Renfrow laughed in faux exasperation.
    Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 22 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • Failure to do so may cause resentment, misunderstandings, and passive aggressively loud blender usage.
    Sarah Schmelling, New Yorker, 29 Aug. 2025
  • But old resentments surface before long, escalating into a fist fight.
    David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 28 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • It's mainly used to keep the skin moisturized and reduce irritation.
    Lauren O'Connor, Health, 2 Sep. 2025
  • Emery’s irritation has heightened throughout the last week.
    Jacob Tanswell, New York Times, 1 Sep. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Podcast

Cite this Entry

“Umbrage.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/umbrage. Accessed 5 Sep. 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!