Synonyms of insult

insult 1 of 2

noun

ˈin-ˌsəlt 

as in offence

an act or expression showing scorn and usually intended to hurt another's feelings

panelists on that political talk show simply exchange insults, not ideas

Synonyms & Similar Words

• offence
• sarcasm
• outrage
• indignity
• slap
• affront
• epithet
• diss
• name
• offense
• slur
• barb
• attack
• personality
• slight
• disgrace
• dart
• poke
• criticism
• taunt
• shame
• dis
• brickbat
• put-down
• abuse
• jibe
• mock
• sneer
• dig
• cut
• gibe
• jeer
• invective
• gird
• vituperation
• disapproval
• quip
• dishonor
• torture
• opprobrium
• swipe
• catcall
• knock
• torment
• slam

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• compliment
• praise
• commendation
• applause
• acclaim
• flattery
• accolade
• adulation

insult

2 of 2

verb

in-ˈsəlt 

as in to offend

to cause hurt feelings or deep resentment in

insulted their hosts by casually remarking about the outdated look of their home

Synonyms & Similar Words

• offend
• outrage
• disrespect
• taunt
• affront
• wound
• slap
• upset
• hurt
• displease
• disturb
• diss
• slight
• mock
• trouble
• dis
• ridicule
• pain
• distress
• snub
• disparage
• slander
• jeer
• torment
• revile
• torture
• libel
• defame
• malign
• slur
• oppress
• smear
• sneer (at)
• persecute
• cut
• miff

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• approve
• applaud
• compliment
• hail
• commend
• praise
• acclaim
• eulogize
• honor
• flatter
• please
• exalt
• glorify
• satisfy
• delight
• gratify
• adulate
• sweet-talk

Synonym Chooser

How is the word insult distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of insult are affront, offend, and outrage. While all these words mean "to cause hurt feelings or deep resentment," insult suggests deliberately causing humiliation, hurt pride, or shame.

insulted every guest at the party

When might affront be a better fit than insult?

The synonyms affront and insult are sometimes interchangeable, but affront implies treating with deliberate rudeness or contemptuous indifference to courtesy.

deeply affronted by his callousness

When would offend be a good substitute for insult?

The words offend and insult are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, 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

Where would outrage be a reasonable alternative to insult?

The words outrage and insult can be used in similar contexts, but outrage implies offending beyond endurance and calling forth extreme feelings.

outraged by their accusations

Examples Sentences

Recent Examples of insult

Noun

Poilievre has been described as a Trump-like figure, casting himself as a victim of the elite and the media, with a penchant for insults and provocations. —Laura Kelly, The Hill, 6 Jan. 2025

Jamie yells at his back, which is an impressive insult on any occasion, even moreso when your soulmate is turning the color of four-day-old liver on the table in front of you. —Kimberly Roots, TVLine, 3 Jan. 2025

Verb

The male characters are, typically, petulant narcissists with perpetual sneers who insult and cajole their female love interests into almost invariably unhealthy relationships. —Josh Bell, Vulture, 27 Dec. 2024

When Ian insults Grace to the sisters during a pitched discussion, Angelica appears and slams his head with a bat. —Bryan Alexander, USA TODAY, 25 Dec. 2024