INVECTIVE Synonyms: 115 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'invective' distinct from other similar nouns?

Some common synonyms of invective are abuse , billingsgate , obloquy , and vituperation . While all these words mean "vehemently expressed condemnation or disapproval," invective implies a comparable vehemence but suggests greater verbal and rhetorical skill and may apply to a public denunciation. // blistering political invective

Q: When is 'abuse' a more appropriate choice than 'invective'?

The synonyms abuse and invective are sometimes interchangeable, but abuse , the most general term, usually implies the anger of the speaker and stresses the harshness of the language. // scathing verbal abuse

Q: When could 'billingsgate' be used to replace 'invective'?

The meanings of billingsgate and invective largely overlap; however, billingsgate implies practiced fluency and variety of profane or obscene abuse. // directed a stream of billingsgate at the cabdriver

Q: When is it sensible to use 'obloquy' instead of 'invective'?

Although the words obloquy and invective have much in common, obloquy suggests defamation and consequent shame and disgrace. // subjected to obloquy and derision

Q: When would 'vituperation' be a good substitute for 'invective'?

While in some cases nearly identical to invective , vituperation implies fluent and sustained abuse. // a torrent of vituperation

invective 1 of 2

noun

in-ˈvek-tiv

Definition of invective next

as in abuse

harsh insulting language hurled curses and invective at the driver who heedlessly cut them off in traffic

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

invective

2 of 2

adjective

as in abusive

marked by harsh insulting language an overbearing, bullying boss who is fond of sending invective e-mails to long-suffering assistants

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How is the word invective distinct from other similar nouns?

Some common synonyms of invective are abuse, billingsgate, obloquy, and vituperation. While all these words mean "vehemently expressed condemnation or disapproval," invective implies a comparable vehemence but suggests greater verbal and rhetorical skill and may apply to a public denunciation.

blistering political invective

When is abuse a more appropriate choice than invective?

The synonyms abuse and invective are sometimes interchangeable, but abuse, the most general term, usually implies the anger of the speaker and stresses the harshness of the language.

scathing verbal abuse

When could billingsgate be used to replace invective?

The meanings of billingsgate and invective largely overlap; however, billingsgate implies practiced fluency and variety of profane or obscene abuse.

directed a stream of billingsgate at the cabdriver

When is it sensible to use obloquy instead of invective?

Although the words obloquy and invective have much in common, obloquy suggests defamation and consequent shame and disgrace.

subjected to obloquy and derision

When would vituperation be a good substitute for invective?

While in some cases nearly identical to invective, vituperation implies fluent and sustained abuse.

a torrent of vituperation

Examples Sentences

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Recent Examples of invective

Noun

At mass rallies, politicians holler accusations, oaths, invectives, and promises at the top of their lungs. —

Piotr Zalewski, Foreign Affairs, 3 June 2015 But the invective obscured a salient truth: many people were still unclear about where Harris stood on some of the central issues. —

Evan Osnos, The New Yorker, 13 Oct. 2024

Adjective

But a showdown between Biden and Trump in the 2020 election proved off-putting, with Trump refusing to stay quiet when his opponent talked and both candidates hurling invective at their opponent. —

Brian Steinberg, Variety, 1 Aug. 2024 The New York Times listed the congresswoman as one of the most fervent users of polarizing and invective rhetoric in Congress based on social media posts and comments on the House floor. —

Justin Kaufmann, Axios, 14 July 2024 See all Example Sentences for invective

Recent Examples of Synonyms for invective

Noun

Florida officials closed Dozier in 2011, following state and federal investigations and news reports documenting the abuses.

Kate Payne, Los Angeles Times, 1 Jan. 2025
After struggling with substance abuse in her teen years, Bynes was placed in a conservatorship in 2013, which was eventually terminated in 2022.

Raechal Shewfelt, EW.com, 1 Jan. 2025