Synonyms of abusive

abusive

adjective

ə-ˈbyü-siv 

as in insulting

marked by harsh insulting language

never one to believe that honorable people can disagree honorably, he invariably launches abusive attacks against anyone who dares to challenge him

Synonyms & Similar Words

• insulting
• outrageous
• obscene
• vituperative
• malicious
• offensive
• scurrilous
• vitriolic
• opprobrious
• invective
• truculent
• nasty
• hateful
• outraging
• dirty
• contumelious
• filthy
• vituperatory
• scurrile
• vulgar
• indecent
• offending
• contemptuous
• libelous
• crude
• gross
• slanderous
• defamatory
• spiteful
• scandalous
• foulmouthed
• foul
• disdainful
• coarse
• scornful
• malevolent
• affronting
• intemperate
• unbridled
• potty-mouthed
• unrestrained
• immoderate
• maligning
• vilifying
• traducing

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• moderate
• respectful
• civil
• temperate
• deferential
• polite
• courteous
• gracious
• judicious
• discreet
• tempered
• laudatory
• mannerly
• praiseful
• laudative
• encomiastic

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of abusive

The story of a woman who’s still dealing with the aftereffects of that [abuse] isn’t told as much as a woman who’s currently in an abusive relationship and trying to get out. — Ct Jones, Rolling Stone, 2 Sep. 2026

Her first husband was abusive, causing Prudhomme to leave with her two sons, her sister Dianne Gonsoulin-Hastings told the FBI. — Holly Yan, CNN Money, 30 Aug. 2026

In the video, Benatar escapes an abusive family situation, confronts a sexist club owner, and encourages a group of female dancers to fight back. — Lisa Whittington-Hill, Longreads, 27 Aug. 2026

The offenses range from non-law enforcement uses like stalking ex-partners to abusive policing tactics like aggressively following people across state lines to justify traffic stops. — Joe Wilkins, Futurism, 26 Aug. 2026