as in abusive
marked by harsh insulting language
a well-reasoned thesis that merited more than just a scornful, contumelious response
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Recent Examples of Synonyms for contumelious
Adjective
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The abusive father and violent end were a little above our collective pay grade, and paired very poorly with tea and Girl Scout cookies.—
Brittany Allen,
Literary Hub,
8 Sep. 2025 -
Hsiao-lee’s abusive parents constantly keep her on the edge.—
Marta Balaga,
Variety,
7 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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Mimicking the president's style on social media, the governor has posted in all caps and employed insulting nicknames for political opponents.—
Jordan King,
MSNBC Newsweek,
29 Aug. 2025
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Those found guilty of criticizing, insulting, defaming or threatening the king, queen, or heir apparent can be jailed for between three and 15 years for each count, with some sentences stretching to 50 years.—
Helen Regan,
CNN Money,
21 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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The lack of answers and accountability is outrageous, said Adjua Broadbelt, her niece.—
Amanda Rosa,
Miami Herald,
10 Sep. 2025
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The publication calls it a white-knuckle favorite standing more than 200 feet high and featuring outrageous maneuvers.—
Chad Murphy,
Cincinnati Enquirer,
10 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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Clothing must not feature offensive language, obscene gestures/graphics, or nudity or clothing that does not sufficiently cover undergarments.—
Sarah Moore,
Freep.com,
9 Sep. 2025
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The store supplied her with bondage pants, kilts, and T-shirts printed with obscene illustrations.—
Rebecca Mead,
New Yorker,
8 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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Honor is not, in Mr. Sommers’s view, without its opprobrious aspects, not least its association with violence.—
Joseph Epstein,
WSJ,
3 Aug. 2018
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Cite this Entry
“Contumelious.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/contumelious. Accessed 15 Sep. 2025.
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