as in offensive
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as in offending
to cause hurt feelings or deep resentment in
insulted their hosts by casually remarking about the outdated look of their home
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of insulting
Ethan Baron, Mercury News, 8 May 2026
Alex Jenkinson, 39, is due at Norwich Magistrates Court on Friday to face two counts of using threatening, abusive or insulting words or behavior to harass someone or cause alarm or distress.
—ABC News, 8 May 2026
Guillermo Rai, New York Times, 5 May 2026
Some Chicago Flips Red members have been escorted out of City Council chambers and the county boardroom for violating rules of order — including shouting, interrupting or insulting other speakers or aldermen — and led some to consider or pursue orders of protection.
—A.d. Quig, Chicago Tribune, 4 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for insulting
Adjective
In a February 2025 meeting, Grimes made profane and insulting comments to another Uber lawyer, the filing said.
—Ethan Baron, Mercury News, 8 May 2026
Alex Jenkinson, 39, is due at Norwich Magistrates Court on Friday to face two counts of using threatening, abusive or insulting words or behavior to harass someone or cause alarm or distress.
—ABC News, 8 May 2026
Verb
Sources said the Frenchman spoke angrily and in insulting terms towards the member of staff, who was acting as an assistant referee on the sidelines of the match and had called him offside.
—Guillermo Rai, New York Times, 5 May 2026
Some Chicago Flips Red members have been escorted out of City Council chambers and the county boardroom for violating rules of order — including shouting, interrupting or insulting other speakers or aldermen — and led some to consider or pursue orders of protection.
—A.d. Quig, Chicago Tribune, 4 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for insulting
Recent Examples of Synonyms for insulting
Adjective
-
As advertised, Swanson remains a peak defender, and his offensive production can be particularly streaky.—
Patrick Mooney,
New York Times,
7 June 2026
-
Star forward Christian Pulisic broke his monthslong goal drought against Senegal, and defender Antonee Robinson wowed with his offensive playmaking.—
Becky Sullivan,
NPR,
7 June 2026
Verb
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So the Devil orders the father to cut off his daughter’s offending hands.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
3 June 2026
-
As soon as the customers would walk out of sight, the drivers would take photos of the offending vehicle, then back their flatbeds into place and load them up, usually within a couple of minutes.—
Kelsy Mittauer,
CBS News,
3 June 2026
Adjective
-
This is outrageous — and devastating.—
CNN Money,
CNN Money,
1 June 2026
-
Pratt’s outrageous on-screen antics placed him at the center of many feuds.—
Louis Staples,
The Atlantic,
1 June 2026
Verb
-
On Day 1 of the truce, and in the days since, Israel has stepped up attacks against Hezbollah, an Iranian proxy, in Lebanon, outraging Iran and leading to accusations the terms had been breached.—
Justin Fishel,
ABC News,
10 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Brown’s action added fuel to reports of behind-the-scenes tension after a 2024 Rolling Stone investigation dug into cast member Jonathan Van Ness’ alleged emotionally abusive behavior.—
Matt Minton,
Variety,
1 June 2026
-
Her mother’s family left Mexico to flee from the abusive nature of her maternal grandfather.—
Carlos De Loera,
Los Angeles Times,
1 June 2026
Verb
-
Afroman published songs and music videos taunting the deputies.—
Andrew Graham
May 28,
Sacbee.com,
28 May 2026
-
The days of some taunting him when Palace squeezed past Wolverhampton Wanderers earlier this season are in the past.—
Matt Woosnam,
New York Times,
25 May 2026
Adjective
-
The Irish comedy writer has become better known for his assertion that trans women are men and criticism of trans activism, expressed in often vituperative social media posts.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
1 May 2026
-
David smells an opportunity but completely misreads Hale, a vicious and vituperative man who delights in tormenting lesser writers.—
Stuart Miller,
Oc Register,
9 Feb. 2026
Verb
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When a referee is missing calls and clearly disrespecting the players, almost mocking them, they must be held accountable.—
Doug Haller,
New York Times,
24 Apr. 2026
-
The guard then went to Ada’s table and — according to the girl’s parents — spoke to Ada and her mother aggressively about disrespecting and harassing people.—
Lisa Gutierrez,
Kansas City Star,
26 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Insulting.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/insulting. Accessed 8 Jun. 2026.
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