outrage 1 of 2

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

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
Depending on the viewer, the video elicited either admiration, outrage or existential hand-wringing. Holly Willis, The Conversation, 13 Mar. 2026 Schneider argued the outrage cycle says more about the speed of social media than the actor’s intent. Clayton Davis, Variety, 13 Mar. 2026
Verb
Most disappointing has been the torrent of negative reaction from engagement-farmers, emotional Bryant fans and others who seem to be looking to be outraged. Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 12 Mar. 2026 Family members of Dahmer's victims, including Eric Perry, a relative of Dahmer victim Errol Lindsey, were outraged by the show. Kelly Lawler, USA Today, 12 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for outrage
Recent Examples of Synonyms for outrage
Noun
  • Several leaned out of their windows to shout insults or raise middle fingers.
    Jodi Bondi Norgaard, Chicago Tribune, 11 Mar. 2026
  • Left-wing social media users launched a volley of insults at 23-year-old Brooke Slusser in recent days.
    Jackson Thompson, FOXNews.com, 11 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • When one’s sense of basic fairness is violated, indignation runs high.
    Judith Martin, Sun Sentinel, 9 Mar. 2026
  • The other parents joined them, one or two echoing the incredulity, a mixture of fake consternation, mild indignation, and real pride.
    Yiyun Li, New Yorker, 1 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Paramount+ is being very protective of the series’ plot, though before anything really happens, the offending binary is established.
    Daniel Fienberg, HollywoodReporter, 13 Mar. 2026
  • Some critics fretted that this fairly radical augmentation of the original classic would offend viewers.
    Holly Willis, The Conversation, 13 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • One of Best’s nieces, Tatiana Barrett, told The Associated Press that revelations from the report have angered and saddened family and friends.
    Dave Collins, Hartford Courant, 12 Mar. 2026
  • One of Best's nieces, Tatiana Barrett, told The Associated Press that revelations from the report have angered and saddened family and friends.
    CBS News, CBS News, 12 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • Harrison Ford was honored with the SAG-AFTRA Life Achievement Award, a prize presented with warm sarcasm by Woody Harrelson.
    Jake Coyle, Chicago Tribune, 7 Mar. 2026
  • First seen at a night-club table of menacing lowlifes, Ida, whose mother tongue is Brooklynese, suddenly switches to a heavy British accent and dispenses a torrent of highly literary sarcasms.
    Richard Brody, New Yorker, 4 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • Hoover’s books inspire obsession, rage, devotion, the kind of energy that makes people purchase limited edition copies or declare themselves her biggest haters.
    CT Jones, Rolling Stone, 13 Mar. 2026
  • The visionary who saved rage rap from eternal Carti pastiche?
    Alphonse Pierre, Pitchfork, 13 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Granular, often infuriating descriptions like that one are ultimately what make Hail Mary sing.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 12 Mar. 2026
  • Kline was frustrated and even infuriated by the military's past reluctance.
    CBS News, CBS News, 6 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • Mostly, Stanton’s sense of her own virtues made her bristle at all the great and petty indignities that characterized her place as a woman.
    Moira Donegan, New Yorker, 13 Mar. 2026
  • Perhaps enduring the toxic black clouds raining carcinogenic oil over their heads is the final indignity the citizens of Tehran must face before their ultimate salvation.
    Arvand Khosravi, Vanity Fair, 11 Mar. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Outrage.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/outrage. Accessed 18 Mar. 2026.

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