CONTUMELIOUS Synonyms: 63 Similar and Opposite Words

contumelious

adjective

ˌkän-tü-ˈmē-lē-əs

Definition of contumelious

as in abusive

marked by harsh insulting language a well-reasoned thesis that merited more than just a scornful, contumelious response

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Example Sentences

Recent Examples of Synonyms for contumelious

Adjective

Many viewers left that film unconvinced Rockwell’s abusive cop deserved the redemption he was given.

— Nate Jones, Vulture, 4 Sep. 2026
Reminiscent of the discussions around Michael Jackson’s upbringing, this Lanterns episode has sparked specific conversations about parenting Black boys and children into greatness, and what actions constitute abusive or unhealthy parenting.

— Ronda Racha Penrice, HollywoodReporter, 4 Sep. 2026

Definition of abusive

Adjective

Even instances of heckling at games – over performance on the court – felt good-natured, rather than insulting.

— Odette Yousef, NPR, 29 Aug. 2026
The adventures of Addison’s titular shilling include being hoarded, offered as a bribe, and sent as an insulting accompaniment to a letter disinheriting a son.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of insulting

Adjective

Part true crime, part tall tale, this is a story about friendship, outrageous antics, betrayal, and a whole lot of weed.

— Matthew Carey, Deadline, 17 Sep. 2026
Winning the biggest tournaments in tennis is usually about coming up with some outrageous forehands and backhand and serves in the biggest moments.

— Matthew Futterman, New York Times, 14 Sep. 2026

Definition of outrageous

Adjective

Last year, after signing a $132 million contract extension with the Pittsburgh Steelers following a trade, he was docked another $26,000 for fighting and making an obscene gesture.

— Jonathan Jones, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2026
There was a dog’s leg that had been sewn on near a man’s crotch in a way that seemed like an obscene visual pun.

— John Phipps, New Yorker, 5 Sep. 2026

Definition of obscene

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Browse Nearby Words

contumacy

contumelious

contuse

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“Contumelious.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/contumelious. Accessed 19 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of contumelious

adjective

Example Sentences

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