Definition of outragenext
1
2

outrage

2 of 2

verb

Synonym Chooser

How is the word outrage distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of outrage are affront, insult, and offend. While all these words mean "to cause hurt feelings or deep resentment," outrage implies offending beyond endurance and calling forth extreme feelings.

outraged by their accusations

When can affront be used instead of outrage?

While in some cases nearly identical to outrage, affront implies treating with deliberate rudeness or contemptuous indifference to courtesy.

deeply affronted by his callousness

In what contexts can insult take the place of outrage?

The words insult and outrage can be used in similar contexts, but insult suggests deliberately causing humiliation, hurt pride, or shame.

insulted every guest at the party

When is offend a more appropriate choice than outrage?

In some situations, the words offend and outrage are roughly equivalent. However, 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

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 outrage
Noun
This triggered condemnation and outrage from the Belgian team, European soccer official, pundits and other former players. Siladitya Ray, Forbes.com, 7 July 2026 And because approximately three-quarters of revenue comes from distribution contracts that are negotiated once every few years, a few changes to CNN programs might not stir immediate outrage or bring severe consequences, at least from partners. Brian Steinberg, Variety, 7 July 2026
Verb
So why isn't the media outraged about it? Ian Miller Outkick, FOXNews.com, 22 June 2026 Those leaders should be outraged, not celebrating the memorandum of understanding (MOU). Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 20 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for outrage
Recent Examples of Synonyms for outrage
Noun
  • The insults often accompany reports and even videos of kids and teens engaging in reckless riding — weaving through traffic, running stop signs, ignoring pedestrians, and performing stunts like wheelies in opposing lanes, sometimes without helmets.
    Théoden Janes, Charlotte Observer, 7 July 2026
  • During the night shift at Illinois's The Wiener's Circle, sassy Poochi Rollins slings Chicago red hots loaded with mustard, relish, onions, and more—with a side of insult comedy.
    CNT Editors, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 July 2026
Noun
  • Advertisements extending beyond traditional commercial breaks to include live presenter endorsements and real-time odds promotions have sparked a fresh wave of indignation, with politicians across the political spectrum calling for tighter controls.
    ABC News, ABC News, 3 July 2026
  • The video went viral, encapsulating the prevalent mood of indignation about official nonaction.
    Mery Mogollón, Los Angeles Times, 30 June 2026
Verb
  • This will cause Defender to hang and keep a lock on the offending files that holds the entire disk space.
    Dan Goodin, ArsTechnica, 9 July 2026
  • The murder rate usually rises and falls alongside other crimes, so through the 2010s, with property crime and overall youth offending dropping, criminologists expected the murder trend to follow suit.
    James Tuttle, The Conversation, 9 July 2026
Verb
  • The comments that could have potentially angered Adebayo stem from screenshots of an Instagram direct message conversation shared on X in recent days that show a profile seemingly run by Herro critiquing Adebayo.
    Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 11 July 2026
  • Neighbors feel less safe with ICE around The latest incident has angered the Latino community in Houston and has left others fearful.
    Sergio Martínez-Beltrán, NPR, 10 July 2026
Noun
  • Bluth family at the show's center, while Howard narrated the action with plenty of sarcasm.
    Raechal Shewfelt, Entertainment Weekly, 29 June 2026
  • Avoid using silence, sarcasm or strategic distance when direct language would resolve the issue faster.
    Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 26 June 2026
Noun
  • Another patient, a Black woman in her mid-40s who had built a career on moving through professional spaces with precision, described the same sudden rage, the same anxiety.
    Dr. Sarah Berg, Time, 9 July 2026
  • It’s also actually filed charges in another case involving a road-rage incident.
    Hanna Rosin, The Atlantic, 9 July 2026
Verb
  • They’re infuriated with a military that turned out to repress civilian protests in recent years, but appeared slow to mobilize in support of earthquake victims this week.
    Tibisay Zea, Christian Science Monitor, 3 July 2026
  • The result can be a more consistent connection, fewer interruptions and less of that infuriating mid-episode quality drop.
    Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 30 June 2026
Noun
  • For a historically proud people, that is an indignity and a humiliation.
    Peter Wehner, The Atlantic, 4 July 2026
  • Former Survivor contestant John Cochran went through his share of indignities on the CBS show.
    Dalton Ross, Entertainment Weekly, 2 July 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Outrage.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/outrage. Accessed 11 Jul. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on outrage

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster