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insulted their hosts by casually remarking about the outdated look of their home
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of insulting
Voice Of The People, New York Daily News, 13 Feb. 2026
The discontent was more widespread, more vociferous and more insulting this time.
—Andy Naylor, New York Times, 9 Feb. 2026
Angelica Leicht, CBS News, 17 Mar. 2026
People were insulting me, we Argentines like that, but with respect for everything.
—Miami Herald, 17 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for insulting
Adjective
With all of the furor over the halftime show, perhaps no one noticed two highly insulting events that directly affected the deaf audience.
—Voice Of The People, New York Daily News, 13 Feb. 2026
The discontent was more widespread, more vociferous and more insulting this time.
—Andy Naylor, New York Times, 9 Feb. 2026
Verb
If a debt collector begins yelling, insulting or using offensive language toward you during calls, that behavior may qualify as harassment.
—Angelica Leicht, CBS News, 17 Mar. 2026
People were insulting me, we Argentines like that, but with respect for everything.
—Miami Herald, 17 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for insulting
Recent Examples of Synonyms for insulting
Adjective
-
The rule has been expanded that teams must interview two minority candidates for openings at head coach, general managers and the offensive and defensive coordinator jobs.—
Mac Engel
March 30,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
30 Mar. 2026
-
Linebackers or offensive linemen?—
Alex Zietlow,
Charlotte Observer,
30 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Given all the competition in the airline industry, and choices travelers have, offending anyone is dangerous.—
Phil Wahba,
Fortune,
30 Mar. 2026
-
At the same time, evangelists of a robust atheism—figures such as the biologist Richard Dawkins, the critic Christopher Hitchens, and the neuroscientist Sam Harris—toured the country offending salt-of-the-earth Americans with their contempt for religious belief.—
Elizabeth Bruenig,
The Atlantic,
26 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
The Asian version will take flight after the original contest takes place in Vienna in May, with 35 countries competing in the singing contest known for outrageous costumes, towering ballads and high-energy performances.—
Gil Kaufman,
Billboard,
31 Mar. 2026
-
There is a difference between being anti-establishment and not supporting Israel as opposed to outrageous, radical views laced with antisemitism.—
Doug Friednash,
Denver Post,
30 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
After years of working to rid Missouri of abusive Christian boarding schools, child advocates and some lawmakers fear a bill still alive in the legislature would undo that effort.—
Judy L. Thomas,
Kansas City Star,
31 Mar. 2026
-
Every so often, Nancy becomes abusive with my wife.—
Jeanne Phillips,
Dallas Morning News,
30 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
The hawks are practically taunting the populists for their lack of influence.—
Jonathan Chait,
The Atlantic,
25 Mar. 2026
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Doncic and the Lakers appealed the call after he was given a technical for taunting against Orlando Magic forward Goga Bitadze in Saturday’s Lakers win.—
Assistant Sports Editor,
Los Angeles Times,
23 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
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
-
But, in private, Koren could be aggressive and vituperative—a competitive colleague who sought to destroy the reputations and careers of those who crossed him.—
Ben Taub,
New Yorker,
26 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
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
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On Saturday, Jorginho posted a lengthy Instagram Story, claiming that Roan’s security team was extremely aggressive toward his family for walking past her table and shaming her for disrespecting her fans, especially a child.—
Alejandra Gularte,
Vulture,
24 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
But the pop culture of twelve years ago is baffling, uncanny, affronting.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
12 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Insulting.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/insulting. Accessed 2 Apr. 2026.
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