UMBRAGE Synonyms: 57 Similar and Opposite Words

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

Some common synonyms of umbrage are dudgeon , huff , offense , pique , and resentment . While all these words mean "an emotional response to or an emotional state resulting from a slight or indignity," umbrage may suggest hurt pride, resentment, or suspicion of another's motives. // took umbrage at the offer of advice

Q: When would 'dudgeon' be a good substitute for 'umbrage'?

Although the words dudgeon and umbrage have much in common, dudgeon suggests an angry fit of indignation. // stormed out of the meeting in high dudgeon

Q: When could 'huff' be used to replace 'umbrage'?

The words huff and umbrage can be used in similar contexts, but huff implies a peevish short-lived spell of anger usually at a petty cause. // in a huff he slammed the door

Q: When is 'offense' a more appropriate choice than 'umbrage'?

While the synonyms offense and umbrage are close in meaning, offense implies hurt displeasure. // takes deep offense at racial slurs

Q: When can 'pique' be used instead of 'umbrage'?

The meanings of pique and umbrage largely overlap; however, pique applies to a transient feeling of wounded vanity. // in a pique I foolishly declined the invitation

Q: When might 'resentment' be a better fit than 'umbrage'?

While in some cases nearly identical to umbrage , resentment suggests lasting indignation or ill will. // harbored a lifelong resentment of his brother

umbrage

noun

ˈəm-brij

Definition of umbrage next

as in offence

the feeling of being offended or resentful after a slight or indignity took umbrage at the slightest suggestion of disrespect

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Synonym Chooser

How is the word umbrage distinct from other similar nouns?

Some common synonyms of umbrage are dudgeon, huff, offense, pique, and resentment. While all these words mean "an emotional response to or an emotional state resulting from a slight or indignity," umbrage may suggest hurt pride, resentment, or suspicion of another's motives.

took umbrage at the offer of advice

When would dudgeon be a good substitute for umbrage?

Although the words dudgeon and umbrage have much in common, dudgeon suggests an angry fit of indignation.

stormed out of the meeting in high dudgeon

When could huff be used to replace umbrage?

The words huff and umbrage can be used in similar contexts, but huff implies a peevish short-lived spell of anger usually at a petty cause.

in a huff he slammed the door

When is offense a more appropriate choice than umbrage?

While the synonyms offense and umbrage are close in meaning, offense implies hurt displeasure.

takes deep offense at racial slurs

When can pique be used instead of umbrage?

The meanings of pique and umbrage largely overlap; however, pique applies to a transient feeling of wounded vanity.

in a pique I foolishly declined the invitation

When might resentment be a better fit than umbrage?

While in some cases nearly identical to umbrage, resentment suggests lasting indignation or ill will.

harbored a lifelong resentment of his brother

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 umbrage Trump takes umbrage at Biden’s actions during transition period Tonally, one of the most striking things about the news conference was President-elect Trump’s obvious irritation at some actions taken by President Biden in the period since the election. —

Niall Stanage, The Hill, 7 Jan. 2025 Some took umbrage with Jerry Reinsdorf, who's long been the subject of criticism from pundits and the Chicago faithful. —

Dan Perry, Newsweek, 5 Jan. 2025 Piana took umbrage over Viola Milano’s Capri and City loafers, pointing out among other similarities the shoes’ nearly identical white rubber soles. —

Jennifer Bringle, Sourcing Journal, 3 Jan. 2025 Despite Roan anticipating potential backlash to her statement and preemptively shooting down that logic (as well as turning off the comments section on that Instagram post), some folks still took umbrage. —

Joe Lynch, Billboard, 19 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for umbrage

Recent Examples of Synonyms for umbrage

Noun

Volunteers were charged around 25 cents per huff, bringing in good profit for those who’d invested in the necessary gas tanks, tubes, and breathing bags.

— Oshan Jarow, Vox, 7 Dec. 2018
The huffs and hums, produced by two women standing face-to-face and vocalizing from their throats, is believed to be one of the oldest music forms in the world.

— Lale Arikoglu, Condé Nast Traveler, 17 Aug. 2024