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
Five dolphins died in less than eight months, sparking public outrage, raids by law enforcement and a criminal investigation. — Valerie Greene, The Orlando Sentinel, 22 Oct. 2026 But outrage erupted as tour proceeds are set to fund the radical Palestinian Youth Movementâa extreme group that openly cheered Hamas's brutal October 7 massacre. — Staff, FOXNews.com, 22 Oct. 2026
Verb
Team member outraged University of Maryland freshman Camryn Bryant is on the club tennis team that is embroiled in the scandal. — Mike Hellgren, CBS News, 12 Oct. 2026 Many students are outraged by a rape lawsuit but cowed by the university’s penalties for protesters. — Grey Battle, Washington Post, 11 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for outrage
Recent Examples of Synonyms for outrage
Noun
  • But the Rodriguez and other members of the Cuban delegation began banging the desks, calling for a point of order and shouting insults at Waltz.
    — Nora Gámez Torres, Miami Herald, 27 Oct. 2026
  • The examination showed that Parker and Smith had exchanged dozens of texts, which include obscenities and insults, in the days before Parker's disappearance.
    — News Editor, CBS News, 27 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • There is no moment of indignation and no complaint to customer service.
    — Dvir Ginzburg, Fortune, 27 Oct. 2026
  • Each time the answer is a concoction of equal parts indignation, defense, agitation, and defiance.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 21 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • The club initially argued that Mbappe had no intent to offend while also explaining that players have freedom of expression, which predictably did not go over well.
    — Mark Harris OutKick, FOXNews.com, 28 Oct. 2026
  • Gonzalez acknowledged that the messages could offend people who did not share the group’s sense of humor.
    — Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 28 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • Data center demand began driving up electric bills last year across a 13-state electricity grid stretching from Illinois to New Jersey and Maryland, angering ratepayers.
    — Marc Levy, Los Angeles Times, 22 Oct. 2026
  • Indeed, the survey showed that use of the horn is the most common action when drivers consider another driver to be annoying or angering them.
    — Staff Report, Hartford Courant, 22 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • There’s a hint of sarcasm in that statement, but also a dose of reality.
    — Saad Yousuf, New York Times, 15 Oct. 2026
  • Returning the sarcasm tends to cause the same problem, with two people annoyed instead of one.
    — Angela Haupt, Time, 14 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • Female rage became a lucrative entertainment category by making women’s anger legible as power.
    — Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 26 Oct. 2026
  • Sharp lines and interesting dimensions were all the rage for Watts, who was dressed in a structured black-and-white gown from Roksanda’s spring 2027 collection.
    — Arushi Jacob, Footwear News, 26 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • The lack of action has infuriated abuse survivors and their advocates.
    — Judy L. Thomas, Kansas City Star, 25 Oct. 2026
  • Life was crazy and the entertainment business was weird and journalism was infuriating.
    — Steven Zeitchik, HollywoodReporter, 20 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • Meanwhile, Amy’s parents, Birdie (Bailey) and Geoff (Jesson), navigate the indignities of getting older.
    — Clayton Davis, Variety, 5 Oct. 2026
  • The franchise has not earned their trust or patience, not after losing 100 games for the fourth straight season, an indignity last accomplished by the 1962-65 New York Mets.
    — Troy Renck, Denver Post, 25 Sep. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Outrage.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/outrage. Accessed 29 Oct. 2026.

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