Synonyms of insult

insult 1 of 2

noun

ˈin-ˌsəlt 

as in sarcasm

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

panelists on that political talk show simply exchange insults, not ideas

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

insult

2 of 2

verb

in-ˈsəlt 

as in to offend

to cause hurt feelings or deep resentment in

insulted their hosts by casually remarking about the outdated look of their home

Synonyms & Similar Words

• offend
• outrage
• disrespect
• affront
• taunt
• wound
• slap
• hurt
• upset
• displease
• disturb
• slight
• mock
• trouble
• dis
• ridicule
• pain
• distress
• snub
• disparage
• slander
• jeer
• torment
• torture
• revile
• libel
• defame
• malign
• slur
• oppress
• smear
• sneer (at)
• persecute
• cut
• miff

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• approve
• applaud
• compliment
• hail
• commend
• praise
• acclaim
• eulogize
• honor
• flatter
• please
• exalt
• glorify
• satisfy
• delight
• gratify
• adulate
• sweet-talk

Synonym Chooser

How is the word insult distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of insult are affront, offend, and outrage. While all these words mean "to cause hurt feelings or deep resentment," insult suggests deliberately causing humiliation, hurt pride, or shame.

insulted every guest at the party

When might affront be a better fit than insult?

The synonyms affront and insult are sometimes interchangeable, but affront implies treating with deliberate rudeness or contemptuous indifference to courtesy.

deeply affronted by his callousness

When would offend be a good substitute for insult?

The words offend and insult are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, offend need not imply an intentional hurting but it may indicate merely a violation of the victim's sense of what is proper or fitting.

hoped that my remarks had not offended her

Where would outrage be a reasonable alternative to insult?

The words outrage and insult can be used in similar contexts, but outrage implies offending beyond endurance and calling forth extreme feelings.

outraged by their accusations

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of insult

Noun

The Voting Rights Act and Amendments were not an insult to the South. —Natashia Deon, Oc Register, 31 May 2026

Then to add insult to injury, Harrison — one of the players acquired in last summer’s Rafael Devers trade — has broken out as a potential Cy Young Award contender in Milwaukee. —Mac Cerullo, Boston Herald, 30 May 2026

Verb

Even after losing, Massie took jabs at Trump during his concession speech, insulting the President’s White House ballroom and highlighting the rise in gas prices. —Connor Greene, Time, 20 May 2026

Trump quickly responded on Truth Social, insulting his job as chancellor. —Brady Knox, The Washington Examiner, 15 May 2026