Definition of insolencenext
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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 insolence As to the kids’ responses, the more genial Olmo is not above whining, while parental demands usually provoke flat-out insolence from Ana, who breathes cigarette smoke like dragon fire. Sheri Linden, The Hollywood Reporter, 17 Feb. 2025 Still, the similarities are felt, stylistically and technically, in the collage-like form and the free manipulation of archival images—and, above all, in a shared sense of audacious yet exquisite aestheticism yoked to a strain of refined, resolute insolence. Richard Brody, The New Yorker, 11 Dec. 2024 Only this time, instead of sneering insolence, Matt Smith’s Daemon was near tears as the king ripped into his brother. Kimberly Roots, TVLine, 21 July 2024 And despite Aegon’s insolence, neither Criston nor Aemond could have predicted that the king would show up to the fight drunk on dragonback before Aemond can arrive. Amanda Whiting, Vulture, 7 July 2024 See All Example Sentences for insolence
Recent Examples of Synonyms for insolence
Noun
  • Chinese diplomatic backlash was instantaneous, with one Chinese official based in Tokyo threatening to cut off her head for the disrespect of her comments.
    Timothy Nerozzi, The Washington Examiner, 29 Dec. 2025
  • Bro, don’t marry Svetlana (no disrespect to Svetlana).
    Emma Specter, Vogue, 27 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
Noun
  • At restaurants, waiters would ignore me for long stretches—not out of rudeness, but because lingering is just built into the culture.
    Jenna Ryu, SELF, 9 Dec. 2025
  • Not, of course, if the intention of the query is to justify rudeness or to be combative.
    Judith Martin, Mercury News, 24 Nov. 2025
Noun
  • Or exacerbated the impertinence.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 28 Oct. 2025
  • Of her schooling Minna said that she was mostly remembered for her impertinences in the presence of eminent scholars, and that at gatherings in general her comments seemed to attract a sideways cautious glance.
    Jim Shepard, New Yorker, 8 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Insolence.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/insolence. Accessed 9 Jan. 2026.

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