Thesaurus

abuse

Q: How is the word 'abuse' distinct from other similar nouns?

Some common synonyms of abuse are billingsgate , invective , obloquy , and vituperation . While all these words mean "vehemently expressed condemnation or disapproval," abuse , the most general term, usually implies the anger of the speaker and stresses the harshness of the language. // scathing verbal abuse

Q: When might 'billingsgate' be a better fit than 'abuse'?

While in some cases nearly identical to abuse , billingsgate implies practiced fluency and variety of profane or obscene abuse. // directed a stream of billingsgate at the cabdriver

Q: When would 'invective' be a good substitute for 'abuse'?

In some situations, the words invective and abuse are roughly equivalent. However, invective implies a comparable vehemence but suggests greater verbal and rhetorical skill and may apply to a public denunciation. // blistering political invective

Q: When is 'obloquy' a more appropriate choice than 'abuse'?

While the synonyms obloquy and abuse are close in meaning, obloquy suggests defamation and consequent shame and disgrace. // subjected to obloquy and derision

Q: Where would 'vituperation' be a reasonable alternative to 'abuse'?

The words vituperation and abuse can be used in similar contexts, but vituperation implies fluent and sustained abuse. // a torrent of vituperation

noun

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Synonyms & Antonyms of abuse

(Entry 1 of 2)

1 harsh insulting language

hometown fans hurled abuse at the visiting team

Synonyms for abuse

Words Related to abuse

blackguardism

Near Antonyms for abuse

2 incorrect or improper use

naturally the furniture had received a lot of abuse from the 10 kids in the family

Synonyms for abuse

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abuse

verb

Synonyms & Antonyms of abuse (Entry 2 of 2)

1 to inflict physical or emotional harm upon

if you abuse your pet, he will always have an ugly disposition

Synonyms for abuse

Words Related to abuse

Phrases Synonymous with abuse

take apart

Near Antonyms for abuse

2 to criticize harshly and usually publicly

a demanding, difficult patient who constantly abuses the nurses and aides

Synonyms for abuse

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Phrases Synonymous with abuse

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3 to put to a bad or improper use

if you abuse your baseball bat by using it to hammer nails, don't expect it to last long

Synonyms for abuse

Words Related to abuse

degrade,
twist

mismanage

Near Antonyms for abuse

respect

4 to take unfair advantage of

abused his parents' trust, pilfering small amounts from them that he hoped they wouldn't notice

Synonyms for abuse

Words Related to abuse

Phrases Synonymous with abuse

trade on,
walk on

Frequently Asked Questions About abuse

How is the word abuse distinct from other similar nouns?

Some common synonyms of abuse are billingsgate, invective, obloquy, and vituperation. While all these words mean "vehemently expressed condemnation or disapproval," abuse, the most general term, usually implies the anger of the speaker and stresses the harshness of the language.

scathing verbal abuse

When might billingsgate be a better fit than abuse?

While in some cases nearly identical to abuse, billingsgate implies practiced fluency and variety of profane or obscene abuse.

directed a stream of billingsgate at the cabdriver

When would invective be a good substitute for abuse?

In some situations, the words invective and abuse are roughly equivalent. However, invective implies a comparable vehemence but suggests greater verbal and rhetorical skill and may apply to a public denunciation.

blistering political invective