vituperation

Frequently Asked Questions About vituperation

How is the word vituperation distinct from other similar nouns?

Some common synonyms of vituperation are abuse, billingsgate, invective, and obloquy. While all these words mean "vehemently expressed condemnation or disapproval," vituperation implies fluent and sustained abuse.

a torrent of vituperation

When is it sensible to use abuse instead of vituperation?

The meanings of abuse and vituperation largely overlap; however, abuse, the most general term, usually implies the anger of the speaker and stresses the harshness of the language.

scathing verbal abuse

When is billingsgate a more appropriate choice than vituperation?

While in some cases nearly identical to vituperation, billingsgate implies practiced fluency and variety of profane or obscene abuse.

directed a stream of billingsgate at the cabdriver

In what contexts can invective take the place of vituperation?

In some situations, the words invective and vituperation are roughly equivalent. However, invective implies a comparable vehemence but suggests greater verbal and rhetorical skill and may apply to a public denunciation.

blistering political invective

When could obloquy be used to replace vituperation?

The words obloquy and vituperation are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, obloquy suggests defamation and consequent shame and disgrace.

subjected to obloquy and derision