umbrage

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 Some of the contractors took umbrage at this treatment. Sam Gillette, PEOPLE, 14 Nov. 2025 Jones would take umbrage to Cam and Fif mentioning his name during the podcast, responding on Justin LaBoy’s Respectfully podcast shortly after, sparking a drawn out back and forth between all parties involved. Preezy Brown, VIBE.com, 29 Oct. 2025 The Owensboro citizens continued to take umbrage to the ways in which they were being portrayed in the national press. Literary Hub, 16 Oct. 2025 Rowling took umbrage with Watson’s comments, specifically her hope that Rowling will still love her. Mathew Rodriguez, Them., 29 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for umbrage
Recent Examples of Synonyms for umbrage
Noun
  • Among agonized grunts and huffs, Probst narrated the fumbles.
    Sarah Grant, New Yorker, 2 Feb. 2026
  • David walks out of the kitchen and Moira huffs and takes his spot over the pot.
    Sabrina Weiss, PEOPLE, 31 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • The incident sparked a firestorm of anger, much focussed on the BBC for not removing Davidson’s tic from its broadcast.
    Alex Ritman, Variety, 6 Mar. 2026
  • The North Austin school district is the latest in Texas contending with declining enrollment and fiscal challenges to discuss closing campuses, a strategy that’s led to community heartache and anger from families.
    Keri Heath, Austin American Statesman, 6 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • Some employees publicly expressed their frustrations.
    Hadas Gold, CNN Money, 4 Mar. 2026
  • Showing up at the gate unaware of what Basic Economy does and doesn’t include can lead to surprise fees and frustration.
    Lauren Schuster, Kansas City Star, 3 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • 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
  • The crosswalk’s removal sparked indignation in Celeste Padilla, who lives nearby.
    Alex Driggars, Austin American Statesman, 25 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • Today, an entire generation of young Californians are resigned to life-long rental payments, which breed resentment and harm their long-term economic stability.
    Matt Mahan, Mercury News, 7 Mar. 2026
  • Major purchases tied to mystery investors have sparked anger and resentment in Malibu.
    Grace Toohey, Los Angeles Times, 3 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • Beck is in a state of high dudgeon, because there’s a big shipment due and two of his drivers are AWOL.
    Chris Klimek, Vulture, 20 Feb. 2025
  • Close’s game, canny performance of reliving her own past couldn’t quite obscure the ungainliness of some of Webber’s songs, the dudgeon and occasional monotony of the sung-through score, or the strain of trying to generate plot friction in a story with only four major characters.
    Daniel D'Addario, Variety, 21 Oct. 2024
Noun
  • Publicly, his expressions of exasperation are a common sight as his Rockets coworkers brick shots or both defensive rotations.
    Joseph Dycus, Mercury News, 5 Mar. 2026
  • The man gazed at Wilkes, whose expression went from exasperation to shock.
    James Verini, New Yorker, 2 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • Turn on air conditioning to keep your home cool, and wear loose-fitting, breathable clothing made of fabrics like cotton to prevent irritation and overheating.
    Zia Sherrell, Health, 7 Mar. 2026
  • Besides, the typical symptoms of a semen allergy—vaginal burning, itching, irritation—can be caused by a range of factors (a UTI, yeast infection, or bacterial vaginosis, to name a few), so those are hardly reliable indicators, either.
    Caroline Tien, SELF, 6 Mar. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Umbrage.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/umbrage. Accessed 9 Mar. 2026.

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