outrage 1 of 2

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 piece stood out because it was rooted in facts, documentation, and verifiable public information rather than political theatrics or partisan outrage. Letters To The Editor, Oc Register, 15 May 2026 Morris leaped for it, his face a mask of outrage. Stephen King, The Atlantic, 15 May 2026
Verb
Based on Chuck Palahniuk’s novel and starring Brad Pitt and Edward Norton, Fincher’s brooding and violent vision allegedly outraged Murdoch. Zack Sharf, Variety, 21 Apr. 2026 Serious states do not have the luxury of theatrical foreign policy, and geography does not bend to outrage. Nawaf M. Al-Thani, semafor.com, 20 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for outrage
Recent Examples of Synonyms for outrage
Noun
  • When Azik tries to rid himself of the stigma, calling someone else weak as if to offload the physical weight of the insult, a startling act of violence occurs.
    David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 13 May 2026
  • Sometimes, there’s no better way to pay tribute to a dear friend than by lambasting them with insults.
    Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 13 May 2026
Noun
  • Where is the indignation about this from politicians, community leaders and clergy?
    Voice of the People, New York Daily News, 4 May 2026
  • Rhys, long an expert at instilling indignation with soulful sentiment, gets pushed further here.
    Ben Travers, IndieWire, 29 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Nothing could offend her more than the suggestion that her love for turning a spark of an idea into an electric joke is a waste of time.
    Caroline Framke, The Atlantic, 14 May 2026
  • No one should be offended at the mention of this.
    Voice of the People, New York Daily News, 14 May 2026
Verb
  • Set in 1986, the story follows two brothers, Irwin and Gary Pearl, whose get-rich scheme to help clean up the Gowanus Canal ends in disaster after Irwin (Teller), a nebbish family man, angers Russian mobsters by unwittingly witnessing their criminal activity.
    Brent Lang, Variety, 16 May 2026
  • The delay angered rural Republicans, who wanted to see the farm bill passed.
    Hailey Bullis, The Washington Examiner, 13 May 2026
Noun
  • So, does Aaron Boone make anything of the fact that his Yankees can only beat up on bad teams (please note the sarcasm)?
    Gary Phillips, Hartford Courant, 11 May 2026
  • Yet even in that apparent act of accountability, the sarcasm never fully disappeared.
    Guillermo Rai, New York Times, 9 May 2026
Noun
  • High protein diets are all the rage nowadays—and for good reason.
    Sherri Gordon, Health, 15 May 2026
  • Ménochet is a scary wonder as Marc, a great bear of a man who is chillingly adept at hiding his rage and possessiveness under the guise of a gentle, enlightened ascetic.
    Richard Lawson, HollywoodReporter, 15 May 2026
Verb
  • What was the song that infuriated the coach?
    Joe Kinsey OutKick, FOXNews.com, 11 May 2026
  • Still, even an unsuccessful appeal would let Democrats try to blame their failure on the conservative majority that dominates the nation's highest court, which has already infuriated the party and civil rights groups by neutering the Voting Rights Act.
    ABC News, ABC News, 8 May 2026
Noun
  • The next day, we are met with twin indignities, setting up for an après-ski party and the arrival of Sabrina in what might be her dumbest outfit yet.
    Brian Moylan, Vulture, 13 May 2026
  • Minnesota suffered the indignity of watching its first team move to Dallas; Buffalo has had some lows that probably had fans wondering if relocation would put them out of their misery.
    Sean McIndoe, New York Times, 11 May 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Outrage.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/outrage. Accessed 19 May. 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