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insulted their hosts by casually remarking about the outdated look of their home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

To say my hair looked frayed and hay-like would be an insult to hay. — Gina Vaynshteyn, StyleCaster, 31 July 2026

His accusations and insults triggered a diplomatic crisis with neighbor Brazil, which recalled its ambassador to Argentina last weekend. — Isabel Debre, Los Angeles Times, 30 July 2026

Verb

In its portrayal of cross-gender relations, the series is consistently cruel to women, insulting to men, empathetic toward nobody and cynical about everything. — Angie Han, HollywoodReporter, 22 July 2026

Antinous shocked even the other suitors by insulting and assaulting an elderly beggar; when the beggar revealed himself as Odysseus and slew the suitors, Antinous was the first to die. — Gitanjali Roy, Encyclopedia Britannica, 21 July 2026