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

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.

Insulting your children is certainly rude, although Miss Manners notices you conveniently skipped over your own rudeness in taking them where they were not invited.

From Washington Post • Apr. 20, 2023

"Insulting any surname is not freedom of speech," he said.

From BBC • Mar. 24, 2023

Insulting each other, being disrespectful to each other, robbing each other of their dignity.

From Salon • May 8, 2022

Insulting someone for the sake of manipulation is among the worst social behavior, and so many people do it casually.

From Slate • Jul. 15, 2021

Insulting the Queen Mother is going beyond the beyonds.What did she ever do to anyone, that poor old lady?

From "Angela's Ashes: A Memoir" by Frank McCourt

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