1
as in disrespect
disrespectful or argumentative talk given in response to a command or request
a disciplinarian of the old school, he refused to tolerate any impertinence from his children
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in disrespectfulness
rude behavior
the impertinence of deliberately ignoring waiting customers while they finished their conversation
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in irrelevance
the quality or state of not having anything to do with the matter at hand
the impertinence of that issue renders any discussion of it a waste of our time
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of impertinence
Her highly English mix of impertinence, acerbic prose and class obsession turned the then-flailing magazine into a success.
—
Michael M. Grynbaum, New York Times, 8 June 2024
Advertisement Gradually, though, like water dripping on a stone, Norm wore down their impertinence.
—Kevin Sherrington, Dallas News, 21 June 2023
To a raging narcissist a plan is an impertinence, a Lilliputian restraint on the inspired instincts of a giant.
—Fintan O’Toole, The New York Review of Books, 21 Dec. 2022
Of course the request seemed rude to Jean—in the sense that all work was an impertinence that placed her days in service to another.
—Hannah Gold, Harper’s Magazine , 26 Oct. 2022
See All Example Sentences for impertinence
Michael M. Grynbaum, New York Times, 8 June 2024
Advertisement Gradually, though, like water dripping on a stone, Norm wore down their impertinence.
—Kevin Sherrington, Dallas News, 21 June 2023
To a raging narcissist a plan is an impertinence, a Lilliputian restraint on the inspired instincts of a giant.
—Fintan O’Toole, The New York Review of Books, 21 Dec. 2022
Of course the request seemed rude to Jean—in the sense that all work was an impertinence that placed her days in service to another.
—Hannah Gold, Harper’s Magazine , 26 Oct. 2022
See All Example Sentences for impertinence
Recent Examples of Synonyms for impertinence
Noun
-
What happens more often is the day-to-day interactions with residents that show the clear disrespect [officers have] with general residents.—
Jade Jackson,
IndyStar,
16 Jan. 2026
-
Our casual disrespect for horological privacy has gone too far!—
Sophie Brookover,
Vulture,
15 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
In 2020, Sportico explored the practical irrelevance of SPARTA.—
Michael McCann,
Sportico.com,
22 Jan. 2026
-
According to the product value management (PVM) solution provider, the software platforms that can extend data and workflows across an entire enterprise will dominate, while isolated tools will fade into irrelevance.—
Alexandra Harrell,
Sourcing Journal,
21 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Egg’s plucky insolence belies his puny size, a comedic contrast with Claffey’s ex-rugby player physique, and perhaps his seemingly humble origins as well.—
Alison Herman,
Variety,
13 Jan. 2026
-
Failure to heed the MAGA campaign to redistribute respect is insolence punishable by death.—
David Frum,
The Atlantic,
12 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Dissatisfaction isn’t rudeness or ingratitude.—
David Williamson,
The Orlando Sentinel,
15 Jan. 2026
-
Third, one rudeness does not justify another.—
Judith Martin,
Mercury News,
14 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Defendants rely on cases that, ironically, only confirm the inapplicability of the § 1252(f)(1) bar here.—
New York Times,
New York Times,
2 Dec. 2025
Noun
-
The Kennedy Center’s president, Richard Grenell, announced that the Center intends to sue Redd for his impudence.—
Jonathan Chait,
The Atlantic,
30 Dec. 2025
-
With an irreverent impudence, generous sprinkles of slap stick and traditional wrapping, this breezy presentation should tickle the funny bones of grade school kids as well as us older coots who enjoy Tim Allen’s acerbic antics.—
Duane Byrge,
HollywoodReporter,
11 Nov. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Impertinence.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/impertinence. Accessed 27 Jan. 2026.
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