umbrage

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

Examples 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 Art must have taken umbrage with the slogan, because his killing of Jeff is extremely phallic in focus. Barry Levitt, Vulture, 11 Oct. 2024 Beyond the campaign, Republicans have taken umbrage with Biden administration guidance issued in February that says nonpartisan get-out-the-vote efforts qualify for federal work-study, a government program that helps lower-income college students pay tuition and fees with part-time jobs. Zachary Schermele, USA TODAY, 2 Nov. 2024 Some social media users took umbrage with the fact that the hijackers depicted in the series called each by Hindu names, despite being Muslims from Pakistan. Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 10 Sep. 2024 Some politicians have taken umbrage at these alternative bundles of joy. Chloe Berger, Fortune, 9 Sep. 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
Noun
  • The shooting captivated the nation, both for the brutality of the crime and for the anger and frustration many people expressed about the health care insurance system.
    Amanda Castro, Newsweek, 12 Dec. 2024
  • And knowing that history helps Black women channel their feelings of disgust and anger at the outcome of this election into positive movement forward.
    Suzette Hackney, USA TODAY, 10 Dec. 2024
Noun
  • As Venus and Mars clash, avoid taking frustration out on colleagues.
    USA TODAY, USA TODAY, 12 Dec. 2024
  • While frustration has mounted in recent years with Boston’s lack of big moves, reduced payroll and having missed the postseason in five of the last six seasons, the wheels are turning toward contention.
    Ken Rosenthal, The Athletic, 12 Dec. 2024
Noun
  • Hochul had expressed her indignation on X on Wednesday.
    Mustafa Fattah, NBC News, 6 Dec. 2024
  • Users expressed their indignation at the boyfriend's actions, recognizing the potential damage to her professional reputation.
    Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 5 Nov. 2024
Noun
  • Instead, the high dudgeon now heard in Tennant’s fey voice gives too much weight to the smugness of group-thinkers.
    Armond White, National Review, 18 Sep. 2024
  • Truth Social, meanwhile, is its own, strange creature: a social media platform born out of Donald Trump’s dudgeon at being banned from Facebook and Twitter due to his posts on those platforms.
    Samanth Subramanian, Quartz, 23 Mar. 2024
Noun
  • During the early breakfast routine, where Wallace emphasizes invention over personal interaction, Gromit reveals subtle exasperation.
    Bill Desowitz, IndieWire, 21 Nov. 2024
  • Meanwhile, Taylor Swift's support of her partner last season brought a flood of media attention—much to the exasperation of some football fans.
    Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 5 Nov. 2024
Noun
  • This week's fatal shooting of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson has unleashed a wave of public feeling – exasperation, anger, resentment, helplessness – from Americans sharing personal stories of interactions with insurance companies, often seen as faceless corporate giants.
    TOM MURPHY and DEVI SHASTRI, The Christian Science Monitor, 8 Dec. 2024
  • This week’s fatal shooting of UnitedHealthcare Chief Executive Brian Thompson has unleashed a wave of public feeling — exasperation, anger, resentment, helplessness — from Americans sharing personal stories of interactions with insurance companies, often seen as faceless corporate giants.
    Tom Murphy and Devi Shastri, Los Angeles Times, 7 Dec. 2024
Noun
  • Its nourishing, moisturizing formula designed for sensitive skin instantly and noticeably hydrated our skin without any irritation.
    L.A. Hubilla, People.com, 9 Dec. 2024
  • The symptoms, which included breathing difficulties, eye irritation and nosebleeds, were traced to high levels of formaldehyde.
    Sharon Lerner and Al Shaw, CNN, 5 Dec. 2024

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Thesaurus Entries Near umbrage

Cite this Entry

“Umbrage.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/umbrage. Accessed 21 Dec. 2024.

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