Synonyms of insolent

insolent 1 of 2

adjective

ˈin(t)-s(ə-)lənt 

as in impudent

displaying or marked by rude boldness

an appallingly insolent reply to a reasonable request

Synonyms & Similar Words

• impudent
• wise
• brazen
• cocky
• impertinent
• bold
• defiant
• cheeky
• fresh
• sassy
• blunt
• saucy
• cocksure
• brash
• brassy
• audacious
• assertive
• brazen-faced
• cute
• nervy
• arch
• bold-faced
• disrespectful
• obtrusive
• smart
• unblushing
• curt
• shameless
• unabashed
• brassbound
• forward
• flippant
• bluff
• mouthy
• facetious
• smart-aleck
• flip
• pert
• smart-alecky
• lippy

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• timid
• meek
• humble
• shy
• polite
• modest
• courteous
• proper
• retiring
• genteel
• respectful
• deferential
• mousy
• ashamed
• embarrassed
• mild
• gentle
• demure
• mannerly
• abashed
• inconspicuous
• unobtrusive
• shamefaced
• blushing

insolent

2 of 2

noun

as in nuisance

Related Words

• nuisance
• imbecile
• brat
• idiot
• blockhead
• pest
• moron
• dolt
• goon
• dope
• snob
• airhead
• wretch
• snot
• fool
• snip
• rascal
• scoundrel
• half-wit
• jackass
• ninny
• turkey
• dink
• dork
• booby
• nincompoop
• savage
• lowlife
• villain
• barbarian
• birdbrain
• scamp
• nitwit
• rogue
• loudmouth
• miscreant
• snoot
• vulgarian
• scab
• roughneck
• brute
• bastard
• nit
• nerd
• dweeb
• doofus
• boor
• schmo
• bugger
• jerk
• lout
• swine
• dog
• blighter
• heel
• nut
• caveman
• reptile
• creep
• toad
• cur
• skunk
• vermin
• louse
• rotter
• sod
• scum
• clown
• rat
• cretin
• bounder
• scumbag
• Neanderthal
• so-and-so
• churl
• varmint
• cad
• snake
• hound
• scuzzball
• stinker
• beast
• slime
• pill
• buzzard
• schmuck
• sleazebag
• dirtbag
• sleaze
• joker
• sleazeball
• bleeder
• slimeball
• chuff
• fink
• slob
• crud
• crumb
• rat fink
• stinkard

Dissimilar Words

• hero
• gentleman
• lady
• heroine
• idol
• angel
• role model
• saint

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective insolent differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of insolent are arrogant, disdainful, haughty, lordly, overbearing, proud, and supercilious. While all these words mean "showing scorn for inferiors," insolent implies contemptuous haughtiness.

ignored by an insolent waiter

When could arrogant be used to replace insolent?

The synonyms arrogant and insolent are sometimes interchangeable, but arrogant implies a claiming for oneself of more consideration or importance than is warranted.

a conceited and arrogant executive

When can disdainful be used instead of insolent?

The words disdainful and insolent are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, disdainful suggests a more active and openly scornful superciliousness.

disdainful of their social inferiors

When might haughty be a better fit than insolent?

While the synonyms haughty and insolent are close in meaning, haughty suggests a consciousness of superior birth or position.

a haughty aristocrat

When is lordly a more appropriate choice than insolent?

While in some cases nearly identical to insolent, lordly implies pomposity or an arrogant display of power.

a lordly condescension

In what contexts can overbearing take the place of insolent?

The meanings of overbearing and insolent largely overlap; however, overbearing suggests a tyrannical manner or an intolerable insolence.

an overbearing supervisor

Where would proud be a reasonable alternative to insolent?

The words proud and insolent can be used in similar contexts, but proud may suggest an assumed superiority or loftiness.

too proud to take charity

When would supercilious be a good substitute for insolent?

Although the words supercilious and insolent have much in common, supercilious implies a cool, patronizing haughtiness.

an aloof and supercilious manner

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of insolent

Adjective

Malinin’s confidence would be insolent if his acrobatics weren’t so astonishing. — Sally Jenkins, The Atlantic, 1 Feb. 2026

The fox would once have crushed this insolent creature with a swipe of her paw. — Hazlitt, 19 Nov. 2025

The movie’s startling originality is in its spirit, its insolent ironies. — Richard Brody, New Yorker, 30 July 2025

One’s insolent, calling him lame and old, and the other affectedly infantile, but both are exhausting in their own way. — Keith Phipps, Vulture, 16 Apr. 2025