Definition of outragenext
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outrage

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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
Both 2006’s World Cup and Tour de France are best remembered for their scandals and outrage, as much as the performances of the protagonists. Chris Marshall-Bell, New York Times, 19 July 2026 The outrage last night over Bryson mashing down the wheat field behind his ball was hilarious. Joe Kinsey Outkick, FOXNews.com, 18 July 2026
Verb
The shooting has left many in the community outraged. Josh Sanders, CBS News, 25 June 2026 However, Italy released him on a technicality, after which he was expelled to Libya, which outraged human rights groups and prompted the ICC to open an inquiry into why Italy released him instead of sending him to The Hague. ABC News, 22 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for outrage
Recent Examples of Synonyms for outrage
Noun
  • The list of insults faced by those of us trying to live here is pretty lengthy already.
    Matthew Sedacca, Curbed, 21 July 2026
  • Supporters embraced the insult as a badge of resistance, turning it into a satirical political campaign that amassed more than 21 million Instagram followers in a few days.
    Aijaz Hussain, Los Angeles Times, 19 July 2026
Noun
  • Mind you, Miss Manners agrees with your indignation at this fraudulent maneuver.
    Judith Martin, Mercury News, 21 July 2026
  • And Anne Hathaway, in a bravura performance, situates Penelope on an emotional precipice, caught between indecision and indignation, between yearning for her husband and a palpable disgust with the alternatives.
    Justin Chang, New Yorker, 17 July 2026
Verb
  • And yet, Paul can’t help but impose and offend, making even his expertise in home security sickeningly useless.
    Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 22 July 2026
  • The idea that people who lived in small states should enjoy more power than people who lived in large states offended Madison and Hamilton’s sense of justice.
    Jonathan Chait, The Atlantic, 22 July 2026
Verb
  • Noem’s purchases were largely made out of public view and angered communities that were caught by surprise.
    ABC News, ABC News, 22 July 2026
  • World Cup fans were frequently angered not only by unfavorable refereeing decisions, but by inconsistency.
    Basel Tarab, STAT, 22 July 2026
Noun
  • Widow’s Bay landed 19 nominations including for stars Matthew Rhys, Kate O’Flynn, in her incredible turn as eccentric assistant Patricia, Dale Dickey, for her chain-smoking sarcasm as Rosemary, and Stephen Root for his obstinate Wyck Crawford.
    Peter White, Deadline, 8 July 2026
  • Bluth family at the show's center, while Howard narrated the action with plenty of sarcasm.
    Raechal Shewfelt, Entertainment Weekly, 29 June 2026
Noun
  • As wildfires rage across Canada and the American West, the announcement from federal forecasters that an El Niño warming is forming thousands of miles away in the tropical Pacific Ocean may offer some regions relief — next year, at least.
    Noah Haggerty, Los Angeles Times, 22 July 2026
  • In a fit of rage a couple of nights later, Kimmel grabbed his father’s handgun, found the truck of bullies responsible, and blocked them in.
    Kevin Kruse, Forbes.com, 22 July 2026
Verb
  • Speaking to them on the phone is infuriating since most of the conversation is about what’s going on with Kaden.
    Jeanne Phillips, Mercury News, 17 July 2026
  • A week before Wembanyama agreed to that contract, the Boston Celtics traded Jaylen Brown to the division-rival Philadelphia 76ers for a surprisingly meager package, which infuriated much of their fanbase.
    Bryan Toporek, Forbes.com, 17 July 2026
Noun
  • Why be grateful when there are plenty of other people out there who never have to suffer these indignities?
    Brian Moylan, Vulture, 24 July 2026
  • But the Riverlanders and Starks have had enough of these indignities.
    Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 20 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Outrage.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/outrage. Accessed 27 Jul. 2026.

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