outrage 1 of 2

Definition of outragenext
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outrage

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verb

Synonym Chooser

How is the word outrage distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of outrage are affront, insult, and offend. While all these words mean "to cause hurt feelings or deep resentment," outrage implies offending beyond endurance and calling forth extreme feelings.

outraged by their accusations

When can affront be used instead of outrage?

While in some cases nearly identical to outrage, affront implies treating with deliberate rudeness or contemptuous indifference to courtesy.

deeply affronted by his callousness

In what contexts can insult take the place of outrage?

The words insult and outrage can be used in similar contexts, but insult suggests deliberately causing humiliation, hurt pride, or shame.

insulted every guest at the party

When is offend a more appropriate choice than outrage?

In some situations, the words offend and outrage are roughly equivalent. However, 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

Example 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 outrage
Noun
If rhetoric truly has that kind of power, then actual political violence should provoke even broader and more consistent moral outrage. Nicole Russell, USA Today, 30 Apr. 2026 The speed of the map’s passage — and the circumstances surrounding it — have fueled outrage among Democrats and even unease within some Republican circles. Garrett Shanley, Miami Herald, 30 Apr. 2026
Verb
The camp's plan to reopen part of the campus this summer and host nearly 900 girls has outraged the families of the girls killed. CBS News, 14 Apr. 2026 On Day 1 of the truce, and in the days since, Israel has stepped up attacks against Hezbollah, an Iranian proxy, in Lebanon, outraging Iran and leading to accusations the terms had been breached. Justin Fishel, ABC News, 10 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for outrage
Recent Examples of Synonyms for outrage
Noun
  • The other guys are on their feet, trying to break it up, someone is calling someone else a loser, there are swings and kicks and insults, men grabbing at other men, trying to restrain them and busting the restraints.
    Brian Moylan, Vulture, 6 May 2026
  • After discussion with my editors, ProPublica decided to note the insults in the story.
    Hannah Allam, ProPublica, 4 May 2026
Noun
  • Where is the indignation about this from politicians, community leaders and clergy?
    Voice of the People, New York Daily News, 4 May 2026
  • Rhys, long an expert at instilling indignation with soulful sentiment, gets pushed further here.
    Ben Travers, IndieWire, 29 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Baselitz was charged with offending public morality; the case dragged on for two years before being dismissed, but his reputation was cemented.
    News Desk, Artforum, 1 May 2026
  • The image of an officer peering into the empty driver’s seat of the offending vehicle may have been good for a chuckle, but other incidents have been no laughing matter.
    Karen Garcia, Los Angeles Times, 1 May 2026
Verb
  • Starmer’s comments risk angering many within his party, who will take issue with his linking of antisemitism with pro-Palestinian activism.
    Brady Knox, The Washington Examiner, 2 May 2026
  • Those plans angered victims' families, and some prominent state officials called for regulators to deny or delay renewal of the camp's license, which had been under review by the Texas Department of State Health Services.
    Briauna Brown, CBS News, 30 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Zilis peppered her speech with unusual phrases and occasional sarcasm.
    David Ingram, NBC news, 6 May 2026
  • Played with blistering sarcasm by Emily Blunt, the high-strung Runway magazine assistant had many of the most crackling one-liners in the original 2006 film.
    Patrick Ryan, USA Today, 28 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • For one thing, when extremely evil people never seem to get their righteous and fiery comeuppance, my rage can curdle a bit.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 1 May 2026
  • Hathaway’s Catwoman is one of her best takes on feminine rage, juggling a sense of righteousness and nihilism that might clang unconvincingly in the hands of a different performer.
    Chris Feil, Vulture, 1 May 2026
Verb
  • Her three opponents have accused her of mismanaging the office, presiding over growing legal payouts and making a series of missteps that infuriated members of the City Council.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 1 May 2026
  • The court struck down that portion of the legislation, a move that infuriated Cindy's family.
    Amanda Lee Myers, USA Today, 29 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • The delay seemed to Silva like one more indignity in a terrible series of events that began with her husband’s death in 2024.
    Ariane Lange, Sacbee.com, 30 Apr. 2026
  • Streep’s second go-round, by contrast, unfolds as a series of micro-indignities—a plunge from her Olympian perch, one stumble at a time.
    Justin Chang, New Yorker, 29 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Outrage.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/outrage. Accessed 8 May. 2026.

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