Thesaurus.com
Dictionary.com
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.

Adding insult to injury, that’s more likely to happen when markets are weak.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 5, 2026

"It is disgusting, disgraceful and it is an insult to the innocent civil rights protesters" who were killed, Eastwood said.

From BBC • May 1, 2026

But that dinner, more than anything else, adds a hardened glaze of insult to Megan’s allegation that Thompson cheated on her.

From Salon • Apr. 30, 2026

The meeting is expected to be Jerome Powell's last as chairman of the US central bank, a term that has seen President Donald Trump frequently insult and criticize him over the last year.

From Barron's • Apr. 28, 2026

She and Celia think it’s some kind of insult to bagel makers that anyone would have the nerve to toast a fresh one.

From "Keeping Pace" by Laurie Morrison

Vocabulary lists containing insult

English Words Derived from French, List 1

Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!

Because of Winn-Dixie

Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!

Sarah, Plain and Tall

Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!