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.

Whether or not she’s the second coming of him as an artist, she’s more insightful than he ever was insulting watercolors of kittens on TV.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 9, 2026

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

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

From BBC • Mar. 16, 2026

“It doesn’t know if I’m insulting it or praising its beauty.”

From "Klawde: Evil Alien Warlord Cat" by Johnny Marciano and Emily Chenoweth

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