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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of abusive
Indeed, it could be considered emotionally abusive.
—
R. Eric Thomas, Denver Post, 14 Mar. 2026
Friends of the couple said Snider had become increasingly controlling and abusive.
—Stephanie Nolasco, FOXNews.com, 14 Mar. 2026
As service begins at a fine dining restaurant’s Los Angeles residency, allegations of the chef’s abusive workplace practices have resurfaced, sparking backlash, protests and major sponsors like American Express and dining concierge startup Blackbird pulling out.
—Shindy Chen
march 13, Charlotte Observer, 13 Mar. 2026
As well as normalizing abusive behavior, the manosphere has introduced an extra level of threat to women’s day-to-day lives.
—Lucy Morgan, Glamour, 13 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for abusive
R. Eric Thomas, Denver Post, 14 Mar. 2026
Friends of the couple said Snider had become increasingly controlling and abusive.
—Stephanie Nolasco, FOXNews.com, 14 Mar. 2026
As service begins at a fine dining restaurant’s Los Angeles residency, allegations of the chef’s abusive workplace practices have resurfaced, sparking backlash, protests and major sponsors like American Express and dining concierge startup Blackbird pulling out.
—Shindy Chen
march 13, Charlotte Observer, 13 Mar. 2026
As well as normalizing abusive behavior, the manosphere has introduced an extra level of threat to women’s day-to-day lives.
—Lucy Morgan, Glamour, 13 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for abusive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for abusive
Adjective
-
While their insulting jabs at each other make for good laughs, their arc as teammates learning to work together is what gives the film its heart.—
Glenn Garner,
Deadline,
13 Mar. 2026
-
Prestianni, who has denied racially insulting Vinícius and has been defended by Benfica, was provisionally suspended for one match by UEFA and did not play in the second leg.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
1 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
Four large porcini ravioli for $40 is pretty outrageous — that’s seriously $10 per.—
Jess Fleming,
Twin Cities,
19 Mar. 2026
-
Meester is pure unhinged mean girl personified as the Kaylinn of Gloria’s imagination, contextualizing every Insta post in the most outrageous extremities that only hurts her own sense of self.—
Glenn Garner,
Deadline,
18 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
Using obscene or abusive language Any use of profanity, insults or abusive language is prohibited under the FDCPA.—
Angelica Leicht,
CBS News,
17 Mar. 2026
-
Pawula was investigated after Hastings lodged a complaint with state police, but charges of harassment through electronic communication and transmitting obscene messages were dropped.—
Olivia Stevens,
Chicago Tribune,
13 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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David smells an opportunity but completely misreads Hale, a vicious and vituperative man who delights in tormenting lesser writers.—
Stuart Miller,
Oc Register,
9 Feb. 2026
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But, in private, Koren could be aggressive and vituperative—a competitive colleague who sought to destroy the reputations and careers of those who crossed him.—
Ben Taub,
New Yorker,
26 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
Fleming was charged with one count of malicious assault, with the sheriff's department adding that more charges are possible in the future.—
Michael Guise,
CBS News,
19 Mar. 2026
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Cole was charged with one count of unlawfully transporting an explosive device with a plan either to kill, injure, or intimidate a person or to unlawfully destroy property, and a second count of malicious destruction or attempt to destroy with an explosive device.—
Mary Walrath-Holdridge,
USA Today,
17 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
Josh Hart gobbled up seven rebounds, while Towns pulled down three offensive boards.—
Joseph Dycus,
Mercury News,
16 Mar. 2026
-
There were defensive miscues, but William Nylander still looked like a player who can carry the offensive load for the Leafs the rest of the season.—
Joshua Kloke,
New York Times,
15 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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And in return for all that scurrilous effort, not a single banning.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
19 Feb. 2026
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There were even scurrilous songs composed about the couple.—
Hadley Hall Meares,
Vanity Fair,
11 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
To attend an Old Firm fixture, as the rivalry is known, is to understand the frenetic, vitriolic, passionate and sometimes poisonous world of football in Glasgow.—
The Athletic Staff,
New York Times,
15 Feb. 2026
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When the San Francisco Chronicle axed its stand-alone books section, in 2001, the paper’s editors were overwhelmed by an ensuing crush of vitriolic mail.—
Becca Rothfeld,
New Yorker,
10 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Abusive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/abusive. Accessed 20 Mar. 2026.
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