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.

O’Leary insists he’s not trying to be insulting, but says he’s just taking a realistic view of how to put your money in crypto and reap any potential gains.

From MarketWatch

He and his associates, most notably Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, took potshots at every opportunity, insulting virtually every value their European counterparts hold dear.

From The Wall Street Journal

The International Chess Federation filed a formal complaint against Kramnik in November, accusing him of harassment and insulting the dignity of fellow players.

From Los Angeles Times

Many people – from Brussels to Berlin to Paris – will have found his speech to be insulting, overbearing and inaccurate.

From BBC

Goddard, who has waived her right to anonymity, said it was "really insulting" to see "another level of dismissal" after she made a legal claim against West Yorkshire Police and Bradford Council.

From BBC

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