Synonyms

insulting

American

[in-suhl-ting] / ɪnˈsʌl tɪŋ /

adjective

giving or causing insult; characterized by affronting rudeness, insolence, etc.

Synonyms:

nasty, offensive, derogatory, abusive, discourteous, rude

Other Word Forms

insultingly adverb
uninsulting adjective

Etymology

Origin of insulting

First recorded in 1585–95; insult + -ing ²

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.

It would be insulting to make broad categorical claims about the Catholic church as a whole.

From Salon • Apr. 5, 2026

“But it was a little insulting at the time, and I’m grateful we have grown so much since then.”

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 3, 2026

Ian Lewer, who was at the 2018 rugby club dinner with his wife, said the joke was "crude, bad taste and insulting".

From BBC • Mar. 25, 2026

Research shows that advisers find it more insulting to be double-checked by a chatbot than by a human rival.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 21, 2026

The one ever scrutinizing into the public opinion, and ready to follow where he could not lead it; the other insulting it by the most adverse sentiments and pursuits.

From "Founding Brothers: The Revolutionary Generation" by Joseph J. Ellis

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023