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insolence

[ in-suh-luhns ]

/ ˈɪn sə ləns /

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See synonyms for insolence on Thesaurus.com

noun

contemptuously rude or impertinent behavior or speech.

the quality or condition of being insolent.

QUIZ

THINGAMABOB OR THINGUMMY: CAN YOU DISTINGUISH BETWEEN THE US AND UK TERMS IN THIS QUIZ?

Do you know the difference between everyday US and UK terminology? Test yourself with this quiz on words that differ across the Atlantic.

Question 1 of 7

In the UK, COTTON CANDY is more commonly known as…

TAKE THE QUIZ TO FIND OUT

Origin of insolence

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English word from Latin word insolentia.See insolent, -ence

OTHER WORDS FROM insolence

o·ver·in·so·lence, noun

Words nearby insolence

in so far as, insol., insolate, insolation, insole, insolence, insolent, insolubilize, insoluble, insolvable, insolvency

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use insolence in a sentence

Only in the carnage of the head, the tilt of the chin, was the insolence expressed that had made her many enemies.
Ancestors|Gertrude Atherton
Never again would he sit behind that wheel rejoicing in the insolence of speed.
The Joyous Adventures of Aristide Pujol|William J. Locke
Then she put her anger from her; put from her, too, the insolence and scorn with which so lavishly she had addressed him hitherto.
St. Martin's Summer|Rafael Sabatini
Then he looked with cold insolence from the dishes set before Garnache to those which were being set for himself.
St. Martin's Summer|Rafael Sabatini

There was in his look and manner, even in his attitude, a something that was almost like a carelessly veiled insolence.
Bella Donna|Robert Hichens