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Definitions

insult

[in-suhlt, in-suhlt] / ɪnˈsʌlt, ˈɪn sʌlt /
NOUN
hateful communication
Synonyms
STRONGEST
abuse affront blasphemy contempt disgrace disrespect indignity invective libel outrage put-down scorn shame slander slap slight snub taunt
STRONG
aspersion contumely derision despite discourtesy disdainfulness ignominy impertinence impudence incivility insolence mockery obloquy offense opprobrium rudeness scurrility slam superciliousness vilification vituperation
WEAK
black eye cheap shot slap in the face unpleasantry
Antonyms
STRONGEST
approval compliment delight esteem flattery honor praise regard respect reverence
STRONG
happiness humility kindness politeness
VERB
abuse, offend
Synonyms
STRONGEST
annoy curse humiliate irritate libel mock outrage provoke ridicule slander taunt
STRONG
abase affront aggravate blister debase degrade deride dishonor disoblige flout gird injure jeer pan revile roast scoff slam slight sneer snub tease underestimate vex
WEAK
cut to the quick dump on put down step on one's toes
Antonyms
STRONGEST
aid delight flatter make happy please praise soothe tell the truth
STRONG
appease assist compliment elevate help honor improve mollify respect upgrade

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

To add insult to injury: The company announced the layoffs were due to “low performance.”

From Slate • Apr. 20, 2026

Then they absorbed further insult on a soaring blocked shot by Jake LaRavia.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 19, 2026

Adding insult to injury, to settle a debt, Hunt sold the 1849 patent rights for something that could have kept his legacy alive: the modern-day safety pin.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 12, 2026

However, it enraged some pundits, with former Manchester United defender Gary Neville labelling Cherki "arrogant", and ex-Premier League manager Alan Pardew calling it "an insult in the pro game".

From BBC • Apr. 3, 2026

The boy saw Maya-Jade blanch at the insult and he felt a pang of sympathy for her.

From "Not Nothing" by Gayle Forman

Vocabulary lists containing insult

English Words Derived from French, List 1

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Because of Winn-Dixie

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Sarah, Plain and Tall

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