Synonyms of epithet

epithet

noun

ˈe-pə-ˌthet 

1

as in nickname

a descriptive or familiar name given instead of or in addition to the one belonging to an individual

King Richard I of England was given the very laudatory epithet "the Lion-Hearted"

Synonyms & Similar Words

• nickname
• moniker
• surname
• sobriquet
• pseudonym
• cognomen
• alias
• appellation
• byname
• label
• designation
• title
• tag
• handle
• denomination
• denotation
• pen name
• nom de plume
• nom de guerre
• anonym

2

as in insult

an act or expression showing scorn and usually intended to hurt another's feelings

the school has a strict ban against the use of offensive epithets

Synonyms & Similar Words

• insult
• sarcasm
• outrage
• name
• slur
• indignity
• barb
• affront
• slap
• dart
• offense
• brickbat
• attack
• slight
• personality
• disgrace
• put-down
• dis
• criticism
• invective
• poke
• taunt
• sneer
• gibe
• vituperation
• dig
• quip
• gird
• abuse
• opprobrium
• shame
• cut
• jeer
• disapproval
• mock
• catcall
• swipe
• dishonor
• torture
• torment
• knock
• slam

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• compliment
• praise
• commendation
• applause
• acclaim
• accolade
• flattery
• adulation

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of epithet

Mendelsohn also retains Homer’s repetitious epithets for characters that some modern translations—written for the silent reader of the 21st century—have slimmed down. — Chris Moody, The Atlantic, 16 July 2026

That epithet is more unhinged than any of the examples the Tribune Editorial Board gives in the editorial. — Chicago Tribune, 9 July 2026

But Moscow’s options are few, and the epithet from the start of the war – that a weak and losing Russia can not suddenly also be a hundred feet tall – remains. — Nick Paton Walsh, CNN Money, 6 July 2026

Tape recordings played during the case also showed Fuhrman had used a racial epithet despite his testimony claiming to never have done so. — Marc Ramirez, USA Today, 18 May 2026

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