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 Meanwhile, Will Forte gives a one-note performance as Avery, the lawyer who’s stuck in a mode of desperate high dudgeon. — Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 12 Aug. 2026 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
  • With seven months left in his term, Macron’s approval ratings are near record lows, driven by anger over the rising cost of living and criticism of France’s growing debt and deficit and deteriorating public services.
    — Nicole Winfield, Los Angeles Times, 25 Sep. 2026
  • Sadness and anger do not fully capture how our agency feels today.
    — Staff Report, Hartford Courant, 25 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • This hampers several of my favorite performances, especially Harper, whose Ben is full of sarcastic indignation, and June Laporte as Ginny, an aspiring reporter in need of proper mentoring.
    — Daniel Fienberg, HollywoodReporter, 19 Sep. 2026
  • Both our indignation when the wicked flourish and our sorrow when the righteous suffer have their source in this assumption.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 18 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • The benches and bullpens emptied as the first baseman, who had homered in the first inning, took umbrage with the pitches.
    — LaMond Pope, Chicago Tribune, 14 Aug. 2026
  • 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
Noun
  • Officials familiar with the higher casualty number expressed frustration that the additional loss of life is not reflected in the Pentagon's public casualty portal.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 19 Sep. 2026
  • Because the therapy is off-label, insurance routinely denies coverage, forcing clinicians and patients to improvise — a frustration that Dombo experienced firsthand.
    — Khloe Quill, FOXNews.com, 19 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • Still, the suggestion that fashion removes sheep wool from its supply chain drew a breath of exasperation from some fashion insiders, and confusion from others.
    — Bella Webb, Vogue, 16 Sep. 2026
  • Foulkes leveraged public exasperation over the cost and pace of the bridge project for her argument that McKee’s administration isn’t working for most Rhode Islanders.
    — Kimberlee Kruesi, Fortune, 10 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • But the lingering resentments are probably rooted in your feelings about his grandfather – your brother – and the boy’s parents.
    — R. Eric Thomas, Chicago Tribune, 19 Sep. 2026
  • Pay attention to where resentment, tension, or exhaustion keeps showing up.
    — Tarot.com, The Orlando Sentinel, 19 Sep. 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 26 Sep. 2026.

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