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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
After months marked by corruption, violence, and the open perversion of law, to gasp in outrage at the loss of a few tons of masonry and mortar might seem oddly misjudged. Adam Gopnik, New Yorker, 25 Oct. 2025 A day after sharing the clip, which sparked online outrage and caught the attention of government officials, the parents spoke out and claimed the entire thing was a hoax, according to The Sun. Bailey Richards, PEOPLE, 25 Oct. 2025
Verb
The judge, clearly outraged, issued a sanction allowing my lawyer to cross-examine the witnesses about their favorable opinions — but otherwise faced no consequences. Micah Kimball, Denver Post, 16 Oct. 2025 Conservatives were particularly outraged by Joe Biden’s higher-ed agenda. Emma Green, New Yorker, 13 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for outrage
Recent Examples of Synonyms for outrage
Noun
  • With every enemy dead, the familiar sounds of the Halo universe are gone — there’s no Grunts squeaking insults or Jackals chattering in another language.
    Alyssa Mercante, Rolling Stone, 24 Oct. 2025
  • And the West Colonnade got its own upgrade, complete with an insult for former President Joe Biden.
    Philip Elliott, Time, 23 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • She was resigned to her fate, helpless with indignation.
    Jack O'Connor, Outdoor Life, 23 Oct. 2025
  • Steeped in dread and indignation, Watcher is feminist horror that imagines what Rear Window would be like if Jimmy Stewart were constantly talked over and dismissed.
    Louis Peitzman, Vulture, 16 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • This may include intense reactions that do not match the situation, or the need to be very careful not to upset or offend them.
    Dr. Theresa T. Nguyen, Boston Herald, 26 Oct. 2025
  • The advertisement is unlikely to offend audiences, particularly in places like the United States or Sweden that are not necessarily feeling the pain of the heist, Mulvey said.
    Andrew Stanton, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • The land was acquired by the company through the village in 2018 in a move that angered a lot residents but in 2023 the Foxconn project failed to live up to its original expectation.
    Ricardo Torres, jsonline.com, 24 Oct. 2025
  • Others are angered that the visa requires only an undergraduate STEM degree, saying that is setting the bar too low at a time when young people in China feel pressured to rack up advanced degrees in order to compete with their peers in the job market.
    Peter Guo, NBC news, 23 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Her voice unleashes a sentimental whirlpool of longing, betrayal, and post-breakup rage without a hint of irony.
    Ernesto Lechner, Rolling Stone, 27 Oct. 2025
  • According to Pearson, patterns like diagonal tile were once all the rage, adding flair and visual interest.
    Quincy Bulin, Southern Living, 27 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Watching Texas and other states trying to rig the 2026 congressional elections is infuriating.
    Neal Fornaciari, San Diego Union-Tribune, 28 Oct. 2025
  • Watching Texas and other states try to rig the 2026 congressional elections is infuriating.
    Guest Commentary, Oc Register, 27 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • While the track leans toward sarcasm, the soon-to-be-anthem perfectly captures a generational sentiment.
    Jessica Roiz, Billboard, 17 Oct. 2025
  • The sarcasm has passed down generations.
    Brian Anthony Hernandez, PEOPLE, 27 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • In a fit of fury, Canio vows to discover his wife Nedda’s secret and take revenge.
    Pam Kragen, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 Oct. 2025
  • To avoid his quiet fury, Muhammad learned to stay silent.
    Stephanie Nolasco, FOXNews.com, 25 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Outrage.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/outrage. Accessed 31 Oct. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on outrage

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