affront 1 of 2

affront

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verb

Synonym Chooser

How is the word affront distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of affront are insult, offend, and outrage. While all these words mean "to cause hurt feelings or deep resentment," affront implies treating with deliberate rudeness or contemptuous indifference to courtesy.

deeply affronted by his callousness

When is it sensible to use insult instead of affront?

While the synonyms insult and affront are close in meaning, insult suggests deliberately causing humiliation, hurt pride, or shame.

insulted every guest at the party

When can offend be used instead of affront?

Although the words offend and affront have much in common, offend need not imply an intentional hurting but it may indicate merely a violation of the victim's sense of what is proper or fitting.

hoped that my remarks had not offended her

In what contexts can outrage take the place of affront?

The synonyms outrage and affront are sometimes interchangeable, but outrage implies offending beyond endurance and calling forth extreme feelings.

outraged by their accusations

Examples 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 affront
Noun
Trump egging on supporters to attack the U.S. Capitol to interrupt the certification of the 2020 election is still unthinkable, an affront to democracy. Bill Goodykoontz, The Arizona Republic, 6 Nov. 2024 That eight of the Yankees championships came against the Dodgers is an affront that forever lingers. Nicholas Dawidoff, The New Yorker, 3 Nov. 2024
Verb
Perhaps their punishment will deter others who might similarly endeavor to overthrow a free and fairly conducted election, affronting the country’s values and assaulting our democracy with their deceit. Mark Z. Barabak, Los Angeles Times, 31 Mar. 2024 Spearing his eggs Benedict with salmon, the silver-bearded star appears almost affronted when asked. Andrea Mandell, Peoplemag, 1 Oct. 2023 See all Example Sentences for affront 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for affront
Noun
  • The rapid-fire dialogue between Phil and Connie (played perfectly by McCarthy) is the main draw here, as their exchanges are laced with great insults and hilarious banter.
    Travis Bean, Forbes, 7 Dec. 2024
  • High-profile individuals across different industries are generally more known and more easily recognizable through the internet and social media, and in turn bear the brunt of insults, attacks and sometimes threats.
    Daniel R. Depetris, Newsweek, 7 Dec. 2024
Verb
  • Opponents of name changes for ethical reasons argue that any name or word can potentially offend someone and that the meanings of words change over time.
    The Editors, JSTOR Daily, 12 Dec. 2024
  • For a long time, she was known for trolling online, posting controversial content to go viral and often offending various communities in the process.
    Jack Irvin, People.com, 11 Dec. 2024
Verb
  • Without replacing them before the cold weather arrives, you could be left with a cold home, outrages energy expenses, and an HVAC system that breaks down from working overtime to regulate indoor temperatures.
    Ashlyn Needham, Southern Living, 10 Dec. 2024
  • Reactions to Hinckley's announcement ranged from cracking jokes to outrage that he has been released from prison.
    Anders Hagstrom, Fox News, 3 Dec. 2024
Noun
  • And there’s Teeny doing a mocking sarcasm clap, which is my second favorite type of clap, after an inspirational movie slow clap that starts as a solitary person in a crowd and then spreads like wildfire into a full assault of applause by a large grip of onlookers.
    Dalton Ross, EW.com, 5 Dec. 2024
  • The President didn’t take their concerns seriously, often dismissing them with mockery and sarcasm.
    Luke Voyles / Made by History, TIME, 21 Nov. 2024

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Thesaurus Entries Near affront

Cite this Entry

“Affront.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/affront. Accessed 22 Dec. 2024.

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