dudgeon

Definition of dudgeonnext

Synonym Chooser

How is the word dudgeon distinct from other similar nouns?

Some common synonyms of dudgeon are huff, offense, pique, resentment, and umbrage. While all these words mean "an emotional response to or an emotional state resulting from a slight or indignity," dudgeon suggests an angry fit of indignation.

stormed out of the meeting in high dudgeon

When would huff be a good substitute for dudgeon?

The words huff and dudgeon are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, huff implies a peevish short-lived spell of anger usually at a petty cause.

in a huff he slammed the door

When could offense be used to replace dudgeon?

Although the words offense and dudgeon have much in common, offense implies hurt displeasure.

takes deep offense at racial slurs

When is it sensible to use pique instead of dudgeon?

The synonyms pique and dudgeon are sometimes interchangeable, but pique applies to a transient feeling of wounded vanity.

in a pique I foolishly declined the invitation

Where would resentment be a reasonable alternative to dudgeon?

The words resentment and dudgeon can be used in similar contexts, but resentment suggests lasting indignation or ill will.

harbored a lifelong resentment of his brother

In what contexts can umbrage take the place of dudgeon?

The meanings of umbrage and dudgeon largely overlap; however, umbrage may suggest hurt pride, resentment, or suspicion of another's motives.

took umbrage at the offer of advice

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of dudgeon Maybe the high public dudgeon is just envy masquerading as principle. Jeffrey Kluger, Time, 12 June 2026 Beck is in a state of high dudgeon, because there’s a big shipment due and two of his drivers are AWOL. Chris Klimek, Vulture, 20 Feb. 2025 Instead, the high dudgeon now heard in Tennant’s fey voice gives too much weight to the smugness of group-thinkers. Armond White, National Review, 18 Sep. 2024 But some Angelenos took their picket signs and their dudgeon to City Hall. Patt Morrison, Los Angeles Times, 1 Oct. 2023 But the movement is flummoxed now that its style of one-way dialogue and high-dudgeon shaming is provoking sharp backlash from illiberal strongmen, right-wing populists, and the mass constituencies that support these strongmen around the globe. Jack Snyder, Foreign Affairs, 21 July 2022
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dudgeon
Noun
  • Devers walked back to the dugout in a huff.
    Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 22 June 2026
  • Not everyone feels the same way, however, and some progressive parents and staff are in a huff.
    The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 19 May 2026
Noun
  • Many of his supporters harbor deep frustration and anger at the American for-profit healthcare system.
    David Goldman, CNN Money, 14 Aug. 2026
  • Schore makes a similar distinction when discussing workplace anger.
    Rodger Dean Duncan, Forbes.com, 13 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • Mind you, Miss Manners agrees with your indignation at this fraudulent maneuver.
    Judith Martin, Mercury News, 21 July 2026
  • And Anne Hathaway, in a bravura performance, situates Penelope on an emotional precipice, caught between indecision and indignation, between yearning for her husband and a palpable disgust with the alternatives.
    Justin Chang, New Yorker, 17 July 2026
Noun
  • Vitello did not mention Randazzo or the Apple TV broadcast, but the Giants’ rookie manager took umbrage with the accusation.
    Justice delos Santos, Mercury News, 2 Aug. 2026
  • Inevitably, the entourage of the MP and mayor of Meaux began to take umbrage.
    Olivier Bouchara, Vanity Fair, 24 July 2026
Noun
  • Survivors have expressed frustration and criticized the Japanese government's support for nuclear deterrence for being insincere.
    ABC News, ABC News, 9 Aug. 2026
  • The Jackson County Sheriff’s Office has not publicly commented on their investigation for weeks, deferring questions to the district attorney — who acknowledged the public’s frustration.
    Alisha Ebrahimji, CNN Money, 8 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • There’s blood and insults and exasperation and pain and horror.
    Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 10 Aug. 2026
  • The skipper would alternate between tenderness and exasperation toward his first mate.
    Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 5 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • The men exude contentious authority in various ways, from the grandee’s circumspect command and Uncle Jeb’s sly omniscience to the mechanic’s viperish resentment and Billy’s acerbic flirtation.
    Richard Brody, New Yorker, 11 Aug. 2026
  • Affection, physical touch, flirting and playfulness become less frequent, replaced by stress, conflict and growing resentment.
    Angelica Stabile, FOXNews.com, 8 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • The first is pique, a sharp, vinegary hot sauce that throbs with the heat of Thai chiles.
    Jenn Harris, Los Angeles Times, 30 July 2026
  • Fewer annoying managers, rehab visits, or fits of artistic pique.
    Dana Harris-Bridson, IndieWire, 22 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Dudgeon.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dudgeon. Accessed 15 Aug. 2026.

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