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insulted their hosts by casually remarking about the outdated look of their home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

The stock market and dollar have each tumbled on Trump’s tariff policies and insults about Jerome Powell, the head of the Federal Reserve. —Bart Jansen, USA Today, 24 Apr. 2025

While he’s gone, Louise really does give it the ol’ college try with Dane, who hurls threats, vile insults, and more threats in her direction. —Sara Netzley, EW.com, 24 Apr. 2025

Verb

Hotelier Jim Hollinger returns to the White Lotus and insults Rick’s mother, Rick backslides into his plan for revenge and shoots Jim and Jim’s bodyguards, then shoulders a double whammy of calamity: Jim was Rick’s father all along, and Chelsea’s been killed in the shootout. —Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 7 Apr. 2025

As the report highlighted, culture wars are about both sides attempting to impose their will by personally insulting others who hold opposing viewpoints, seeking ways to cancel the social and professional lifestyles of others, and preventing others from participating in public debates. —Eric Wood, Forbes.com, 14 Apr. 2025