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
Geno Segers will no longer be part of the Broadway cast of Hadestown after his casting drew online outrage due to his social media postings. Caitlin Huston, HollywoodReporter, 2 Aug. 2026 Truth Social’s new subscriber plan has attracted outrage from Democrats in Congress. Emily Hallas, The Washington Examiner, 1 Aug. 2026
Verb
Grande licked one of them, and fans were immediately outraged by the moment. Giovana Gelhoren, InStyle, 16 July 2026 That those things just become sort of this way to outrage and anger people. David Frum, The Atlantic, 8 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for outrage
Recent Examples of Synonyms for outrage
Noun
  • Several celebrities and their PR teams have denounced Perez for his viscous public insults, from Khloe Kardashian, Miley Cyrus, and Lady Gaga, a former friend of Perez.
    Charisma Madarang, Rolling Stone, 5 Aug. 2026
  • In recent years, Georgia’s State Election Board has been plagued by infighting, feuds, insults, partisan maneuvering and out-and-out shouting matches.
    AJ Willingham, AJC.com, 4 Aug. 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
  • Organizations often overlook early warning signs because the offending individual delivers strong business results.
    Rodger Dean Duncan, Forbes.com, 30 July 2026
  • One of the lawyers, Hassan Bazzi, said Sehnaoui violated the law and offended national sentiments.
    ABC News, ABC News, 29 July 2026
Verb
  • The receptionist angers Kripke and Bert so much that they are picked up by the police — along with Stuart, who had also been arrested.
    Michael Schneider, Variety, 31 July 2026
  • The strategy has also angered China, which has demanded that Manila rein in the Coast Guard spokesman who leads it.
    Jill Goldenziel, Forbes.com, 30 July 2026
Noun
  • Her business-strategy forecasting was met with sarcasm and disdain — her role as pop’s leading philosopher somewhat rejected by people online.
    Fran Hoepfner, Vulture, 23 July 2026
  • 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
Noun
  • Foraging for common types of edible mushrooms is all the rage these days.
    Katie Hill, Outdoor Life, 6 Aug. 2026
  • The rage Lyman felt during the police investigation and the criminal court process had inspired a political crusade.
    Ariane Lange, Sacbee.com, 6 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • Sami Zayn, who had recently lost the title, was visibly infuriated by Owens' unexpected return and victory, even injuring Owens' neck during the intense bout.
    Alfred Konuwa, Forbes.com, 2 Aug. 2026
  • That infuriated Angels fans, of course, since their team has baseball’s longest playoff drought — 12 years, counting this one.
    Bill Shaikin, Los Angeles Times, 29 July 2026
Noun
  • The fungus then slowly devours the ant, sprouting through its head in one final indignity.
    Jennifer Ouellette, ArsTechnica, 6 Aug. 2026
  • But Ormund’s real secret weapon is Ulf, who has suffered enough indignity at the hands of the Blacks, or so he’s been persuaded.
    Amanda Whiting, Vulture, 3 Aug. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Outrage.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/outrage. Accessed 8 Aug. 2026.

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