INSULTING Synonyms: 113 Similar and Opposite Words

insulting 1 of 2

adjective

Definition of insulting

as in offensive

Related Words

Relevance

Dissimilar Words

insulting

2 of 2

verb

present participle of insult

as in offending

to cause hurt feelings or deep resentment in insulted their hosts by casually remarking about the outdated look of their home

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of insulting

Adjective

The target of the anger and scorn in all the insulting posters, slogans, and graffiti of the protest zone was not the education minister but Modi himself. — Asim Ali, Time, 1 Aug. 2026 The big reveal that Rey was really the still-not-dead Emperor’s grand-daughter was incoherent and kind of insulting. — Adam Frank, Forbes.com, 31 July 2026

Verb

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 There isn’t a positive review in sight as the finders rip through strongly worded and insulting critiques from major music publications. — Sabrina Reed, Forbes.com, 20 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for insulting

Recent Examples of Synonyms for insulting

Adjective

The low rate wasn’t just an offensive coordinator preference.

— Ted Nguyen, New York Times, 7 Sep. 2026

Definition of offensive

Verb

For that, their game — analyzing randomness and violence and doing so without offending our intelligence — has become as important to the American audience as The Game.

— Candace Buckner, New York Times, 11 Sep. 2026
While Presley made appearances on The Milton Berle Show and The Steve Allen Show, among many others, Sullivan had hesitations about platforming the provocative singer, whose dance moves thrilled some audiences while offending others.

— Angela Andaloro, PEOPLE, 11 Sep. 2026

Definition of offending

Adjective

Part true crime, part tall tale, this is a story about friendship, outrageous antics, betrayal, and a whole lot of weed.

— Matthew Carey, Deadline, 17 Sep. 2026
Winning the biggest tournaments in tennis is usually about coming up with some outrageous forehands and backhand and serves in the biggest moments.

— Matthew Futterman, New York Times, 14 Sep. 2026

Definition of outrageous

Verb

The Hitlerite hordes are murdering and outraging the peaceful inhabitants of our country, having no mercy on women, children or old people.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 12 Aug. 2026
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

Definition of outraging

Adjective

Many viewers left that film unconvinced Rockwell’s abusive cop deserved the redemption he was given.

— Nate Jones, Vulture, 4 Sep. 2026
Reminiscent of the discussions around Michael Jackson’s upbringing, this Lanterns episode has sparked specific conversations about parenting Black boys and children into greatness, and what actions constitute abusive or unhealthy parenting.

— Ronda Racha Penrice, HollywoodReporter, 4 Sep. 2026

Definition of abusive

Verb

And nipped any indication that Williams was taunting the 45-year-old coach in the bud.

— Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 14 Sep. 2026
The big house sat clear, taunting their one‑room shack with its size, her children somewhere swallowed in the expansiveness of the land.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 2 Sep. 2026

Definition of taunting

Adjective

In Maine, Graham Platner — who, like Avila Chevalier, had a vituperative social media history — easily defeated the state’s governor, Janet Mills, for the Senate nomination.

— Michelle Goldberg, Mercury News, 27 June 2026
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

Definition of vituperative

Verb

Oakley and Dolan have long feuded, with Oakley accusing Dolan of treating him less favorably than other Knicks legends, including by not providing him complimentary tickets and allegedly disrespecting him in other ways.

— Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 15 Aug. 2026
The leak itself received a mountain of backlash from industry professionals, animators and others for disrespecting the years of work put into crafting the film.

— Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 7 July 2026

Definition of disrespecting

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insulting

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Style

“Insulting.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/insulting. Accessed 18 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of insulting

adjective

verb

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

7 Shakespearean Insults to Make Life...

Rare and Amusing Insults, Volume 2

Test Your Insult Skills

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