Synonyms of insolent

insolent 1 of 2

adjective

ˈin(t)-s(ə-)lənt 

as in impudent

displaying or marked by rude boldness

an appallingly insolent reply to a reasonable request

Synonyms & Similar Words

• impudent
• wise
• brazen
• cocky
• bold
• impertinent
• defiant
• fresh
• cheeky
• sassy
• blunt
• saucy
• cocksure
• brash
• brassy
• audacious
• assertive
• brazen-faced
• cute
• nervy
• arch
• bold-faced
• disrespectful
• obtrusive
• smart
• unblushing
• curt
• shameless
• unabashed
• brassbound
• forward
• flippant
• bluff
• mouthy
• facetious
• smart-aleck
• flip
• pert
• smart-alecky
• lippy

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• timid
• meek
• shy
• humble
• polite
• modest
• courteous
• proper
• retiring
• genteel
• deferential
• respectful
• mousy
• ashamed
• embarrassed
• demure
• mousey
• abashed
• mild
• gentle
• mannerly
• blushing
• inconspicuous
• shamefaced
• unobtrusive

insolent

2 of 2

noun

as in nuisance

Synonyms & Similar Words

• nuisance
• imbecile
• brat
• idiot
• blockhead
• pest
• moron
• dolt
• goon
• dope
• snob
• airhead
• wretch
• snot
• snip
• rascal
• jackass
• half-wit
• scoundrel
• turkey
• fool
• ninny
• dork
• dink
• booby
• nincompoop
• savage
• lowlife
• birdbrain
• villain
• nitwit
• barbarian
• scamp
• rogue
• loudmouth
• snoot
• miscreant
• vulgarian
• scab
• roughneck
• brute
• bastard
• nit
• nerd
• doofus
• dweeb
• boor
• schmoe
• schmo
• jerk
• lout
• bugger
• dog
• swine
• blighter
• heel
• cur
• caveman
• reptile
• creep
• nut
• toad
• skunk
• vermin
• louse
• rotter
• scum
• clown
• sod
• rat
• cretin
• churl
• Neanderthal
• bounder
• scumbag
• so-and-so
• hound
• varmint
• snake
• beast
• cad
• slime
• scuzzball
• stinker
• pill
• buzzard
• joker
• sleaze
• sleazebag
• schmuck
• dirtbag
• sleazeball
• slimeball
• bleeder
• slob
• fink
• chuff
• crud
• crumb
• rat fink
• stinkard

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• hero
• gentleman
• lady
• heroine
• idol
• angel
• role model
• saint

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective insolent differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of insolent are arrogant, disdainful, haughty, lordly, overbearing, proud, and supercilious. While all these words mean "showing scorn for inferiors," insolent implies contemptuous haughtiness.

ignored by an insolent waiter

When could arrogant be used to replace insolent?

The synonyms arrogant and insolent are sometimes interchangeable, but arrogant implies a claiming for oneself of more consideration or importance than is warranted.

a conceited and arrogant executive

When can disdainful be used instead of insolent?

The words disdainful and insolent are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, disdainful suggests a more active and openly scornful superciliousness.

disdainful of their social inferiors

When might haughty be a better fit than insolent?

While the synonyms haughty and insolent are close in meaning, haughty suggests a consciousness of superior birth or position.

a haughty aristocrat

When is lordly a more appropriate choice than insolent?

While in some cases nearly identical to insolent, lordly implies pomposity or an arrogant display of power.

a lordly condescension

In what contexts can overbearing take the place of insolent?

The meanings of overbearing and insolent largely overlap; however, overbearing suggests a tyrannical manner or an intolerable insolence.

an overbearing supervisor

Where would proud be a reasonable alternative to insolent?

The words proud and insolent can be used in similar contexts, but proud may suggest an assumed superiority or loftiness.

too proud to take charity

When would supercilious be a good substitute for insolent?

Although the words supercilious and insolent have much in common, supercilious implies a cool, patronizing haughtiness.

an aloof and supercilious manner

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of insolent

Adjective

Over the last two decades, Chinese relations with North Korea have deteriorated drastically behind the scenes, as China has tired of North Korea’s insolent behavior and reassessed its own interests on the peninsula. —Oriana Skylar Mastro, Foreign Affairs, 12 Dec. 2017

This chicanery makes Leave the World Behind the most insolent executive-office musing ever committed to film — a full-out assault on the nation’s people. —Armond White, National Review, 10 Apr. 2024

Buy Now Homesick Barbie Dreamhouse Candle Diptyque Amber Candle Evoke the aura of a cackling fire with this woody scent from Diptyque, which features notes of wood, vetiver and patchouli enhanced with radiant aniseed, insolent spices, mysterious incense, cistus and tonka bean. —Anna Tingley, Variety, 23 Feb. 2024

Streisand’s performance remains unmatched, even now, for its insolent weirdness. —Rachel Syme, The New Yorker, 14 Nov. 2023