Synonyms of insult

insult 1 of 2

noun

ˈin-ˌsəlt 

as in offence

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

• offence
• sarcasm
• outrage
• indignity
• slap
• affront
• epithet
• diss
• name
• offense
• slur
• barb
• attack
• personality
• slight
• disgrace
• dart
• poke
• criticism
• taunt
• shame
• dis
• brickbat
• put-down
• abuse
• jibe
• 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insulted their hosts by casually remarking about the outdated look of their home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
• taunt
• affront
• wound
• slap
• upset
• hurt
• displease
• disturb
• diss
• slight
• mock
• trouble
• dis
• ridicule
• pain
• distress
• snub
• disparage
• slander
• jeer
• torment
• revile
• torture
• 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

But the men fell out dramatically days later, trading insults in an acrimonious public feud that included Musk taking credit for Trump’s election victory. —Michael Wilner, Los Angeles Times, 1 July 2025

The insults soon devolve into sarcastically miming each other’s words like little kids. —Jake Kring-Schreifels, Time, 26 June 2025

Verb

That word—entitled—is frequently thrown around to insult this generation, but there are some cases in which the unabashed expectation of fair treatment is a clear source of strength. —Emma Sarappo, The Atlantic, 25 June 2025

In a series of posts on Truth Social, Trump has repeatedly insulted Powell and called him names. —Jim Edwards, Fortune, 26 June 2025