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

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

“That feels insulting to a lot of people who are paying the taxes they owe every day.”

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 17, 2026

Travelodge initially offered the victim a £30 refund, which she described as "insulting", before the company issued an apology.

From BBC • Mar. 16, 2026

“You can’t even imagine how insulting that is.” she says.

From "We Were Liars" by E. Lockhart

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