Definition of umbragenext

Synonym Chooser

How is the word umbrage distinct from other similar nouns?

Some common synonyms of umbrage are dudgeon, huff, offense, pique, and resentment. While all these words mean "an emotional response to or an emotional state resulting from a slight or indignity," umbrage may suggest hurt pride, resentment, or suspicion of another's motives.

took umbrage at the offer of advice

When would dudgeon be a good substitute for umbrage?

Although the words dudgeon and umbrage have much in common, dudgeon suggests an angry fit of indignation.

stormed out of the meeting in high dudgeon

When could huff be used to replace umbrage?

The words huff and umbrage can be used in similar contexts, but huff implies a peevish short-lived spell of anger usually at a petty cause.

in a huff he slammed the door

When is offense a more appropriate choice than umbrage?

While the synonyms offense and umbrage are close in meaning, offense implies hurt displeasure.

takes deep offense at racial slurs

When can pique be used instead of umbrage?

The meanings of pique and umbrage largely overlap; however, pique applies to a transient feeling of wounded vanity.

in a pique I foolishly declined the invitation

When might resentment be a better fit than umbrage?

While in some cases nearly identical to umbrage, resentment suggests lasting indignation or ill will.

harbored a lifelong resentment of his brother

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 umbrage Others like Charles Johnson took umbrage with the new rankings. — Brian Mazique, Forbes.com, 23 June 2026 Vigna has taken umbrage at the suggestion that the company doesn’t have anything to offer in terms of technological advances. — Phil Wahba, Fortune, 29 May 2026 Wilson took umbrage with Moise framing her as unable to run her district — and balked at the idea that a congressional member should resign from their role if they’re considered too ill or too old. — Miami Herald, 29 May 2026 Met by protests Brittin was met at the front of the BBC’s New Broadcasting House HQ in London by a small group of protesters holding National Union of Journalists placards, taking umbrage with the layoffs in the BBC News division. — Max Goldbart, Deadline, 18 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for umbrage
Recent Examples of Synonyms for umbrage
Noun
  • Devers walked back to the dugout in a huff.
    — Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 22 June 2026
  • Not everyone feels the same way, however, and some progressive parents and staff are in a huff.
    — The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 19 May 2026
Noun
  • Investors are closely watching the government's next moves in a highly indebted country where street anger has often been tamed with more state spending.
    — Makini Brice, Arkansas Online, 10 Oct. 2026
  • Week six is now upon us, and with that, several data points are now available for prognosticators and experts alike to draw from and anger fans with in the process.
    — Austin Perry OutKick, FOXNews.com, 9 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • The compounding frustrations of this situation, fueled by too much alcohol, finally expose Uta’s double life.
    — Guy Lodge, Variety, 11 Oct. 2026
  • My stepmother took out her anger and frustration with her husband on me.
    — R. Eric Thomas, Denver Post, 10 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • In the end, director Duong, recognizing Aunt Hanh’s residual indignation, lances that boil.
    — Etan Vlessing, HollywoodReporter, 4 Oct. 2026
  • But a new wave of indignation swept Spain when Abascal, who uses a wheelchair, was carried on a stretcher from her apartment after police cordoned off the street.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 30 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • One succinct but memorable subplot features a veteran casting director, Rhonda (Tracie Thoms), who, in the space of just a few scenes with Misty, evokes an entire work history, rife with resentment but also grudging respect.
    — Justin Chang, New Yorker, 10 Oct. 2026
  • As two formidable women go head-to-head, their battle for the soul of Longview exposes the secrets, resentments, and desires lurking beneath its picture-perfect surface.
    — Matt Grobar, Deadline, 9 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • Meanwhile, Will Forte gives a one-note performance as Avery, the lawyer who’s stuck in a mode of desperate high dudgeon.
    — Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 12 Aug. 2026
  • Maybe the high public dudgeon is just envy masquerading as principle.
    — Jeffrey Kluger, Time, 12 June 2026
Noun
  • But through a bit of TV fame, and Ramsay’s signature yelling, ranting, exasperation and, in the end, brotherly wisdom, perhaps its restaurant dreams can come true.
    — Eric Adler, Kansas City Star, 1 Oct. 2026
  • In a room full of fascists and fools, Ahmed’s projection of competence—and of the spluttering exasperation that is the lot of the competent—proves a genuine balm.
    — Justin Chang, New Yorker, 30 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • Musk isn’t the sort of guy who’s lets a minor linguistic or chronological irritation get in the way of a grand plan.
    — Jason Barlow, Robb Report, 11 Oct. 2026
  • In some cases, irritation or damage to the surface of the eye can lead to more serious problems.
    — Kelly McGreal, FOXNews.com, 11 Oct. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Umbrage.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/umbrage. Accessed 14 Oct. 2026.

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