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 Though fans may take umbrage with a Link that talks, at least both Zelda and Link look fantastic in their costumes. James Brizuela, MSNBC Newsweek, 15 Nov. 2025 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 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 decision closed a flashpoint case that has bitterly divided Israel since the soldiers were arrested in 2024 at the notorious Sde Teiman military prison, prompting anger from members of the far-right government and hard-line ultranationalists who violently overran the prison in protest.
    JULIA FRANKEL THE ASSOCIATED PRESS, Arkansas Online, 13 Mar. 2026
  • At the cemetery, drug-war widows unleashed on him the full force of their anger and anguish.
    Sheila Coronel, The Atlantic, 13 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • If anything, the frustration is that everybody wanted it sooner.
    John Ramos, CBS News, 18 Mar. 2026
  • Impatience or frustration could jump out.
    Magi Helena, Dallas Morning News, 17 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
Noun
  • The official felt as though the public had been misled to believe this was about personal resentments.
    Gideon Lewis-Kraus, New Yorker, 14 Mar. 2026
  • Families have seen how silence can lead to misinterpretation, resentment among siblings or prolonged disputes.
    Bruce Helmer, Twin Cities, 14 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
  • According to Smith, people with normal and oily skin can often use standard formulas, whereas those with dry or mature skin should opt for hydrating ones to prevent irritation and creasing.
    Caroline Shannon Karasik, InStyle, 15 Mar. 2026
  • Uncompromising Hygiene and Safety Pregnant and postpartum bodies are often highly sensitive to touch and smell, so much so that, at times, otherwise minor irritations and sensations can feel overwhelming.
    Ethan Stone, USA Today, 15 Mar. 2026

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Cite this Entry

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

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