insolence

noun

in·​so·​lence ˈin(t)-s(ə-)lən(t)s How to pronounce insolence (audio)
1
: the quality or state of being insolent
2
: an instance of insolent conduct or treatment

Examples of insolence in a Sentence

amazed that parents would tolerate such insolence from their teenaged children her frequent displays of insolence have lowered her standing among movie fans
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Still, the similarities are felt, stylistically and technically, in the collage-like form and the free manipulation of archival images—and, above all, in a shared sense of audacious yet exquisite aestheticism yoked to a strain of refined, resolute insolence. Richard Brody, The New Yorker, 11 Dec. 2024 And despite Aegon’s insolence, neither Criston nor Aemond could have predicted that the king would show up to the fight drunk on dragonback before Aemond can arrive. Amanda Whiting, Vulture, 7 July 2024 Only this time, instead of sneering insolence, Matt Smith’s Daemon was near tears as the king ripped into his brother. Kimberly Roots, TVLine, 21 July 2024 Ever since Trump became a politician—and even before that—the most familiar images of him have been designed and disseminated by those who oppose him, to emphasize his insolence or his aura of threat. Benjamin Wallace-Wells, The New Yorker, 14 July 2024 See all Example Sentences for insolence 

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of insolence was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near insolence

Cite this Entry

“Insolence.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/insolence. Accessed 21 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

insolence

noun
in·​so·​lence ˈin(t)-s(ə-)lən(t)s How to pronounce insolence (audio)
1
: the quality or state of being insolent
2
: an instance of insolent conduct or treatment

More from Merriam-Webster on insolence

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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