as in abusive
marked by harsh insulting language
a well-reasoned thesis that merited more than just a scornful, contumelious response
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Recent Examples of Synonyms for contumelious
Adjective
-
The allegations against Washington detailed in the emails, which include an incident that one service provider described as abusive, do not appear to illustrate criminal behavior and he has not been charged with any crimes related to the investigation.—
Kacen Bayless,
Kansas City Star,
24 Mar. 2026 -
Robert and Michael Bever had killed their parents, who a surviving sister testified were not physically abusive, and three younger siblings.—
Pamela Colloff,
ProPublica,
24 Mar. 2026
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
-
The fact that the administration, and our secretary of state and the president tried to blame Israel is outrageous, cowardly and dangerous.—
Jim DeFede,
CBS News,
22 Mar. 2026
-
Four large porcini ravioli for $40 is pretty outrageous — that’s seriously $10 per.—
Jess Fleming,
Twin Cities,
19 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
Lauren Elliott, though, was a designer at Broderbund Games, working in a former liquor store beneath a sign that said DEPARTMENT OF REDUNDANCY REDUCTION DEPARTMENT alongside an impish ex-Disney animator named Gene Portwood who often doodled Mickey Mouse in obscene poses.—
Eric Boodman,
Vulture,
25 Mar. 2026
-
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
Adjective
-
Honor is not, in Mr. Sommers’s view, without its opprobrious aspects, not least its association with violence.—
Joseph Epstein,
WSJ,
3 Aug. 2018
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.
Cite this Entry
“Contumelious.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/contumelious. Accessed 31 Mar. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
