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Showing results for revolting. Search instead for volting.
Synonyms

revolting

American  
[ri-vohl-ting] / rɪˈvoʊl tɪŋ /

adjective

  1. disgusting; repulsive.

    a revolting sight.

  2. rebellious.


revolting British  
/ rɪˈvəʊltɪŋ /

adjective

  1. causing revulsion; nauseating, disgusting, or repulsive

  2. informal unpleasant or nasty

    that dress is revolting

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Other Word Forms

  • nonrevolting adjective
  • nonrevoltingly adverb
  • revoltingly adverb
  • unrevolting adjective

Etymology

Origin of revolting

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

Explanation

Something revolting is disgusting or distasteful; it turns your stomach and can offend your senses. Things that are revolting are physically upsetting, like finding hair in your soup or stepping in dog poop. Eating spoiled food is revolting. Also, revolting things can be less physical. Learning that a friend lied to you is revolting. Corruption in government is revolting. Injustice is revolting. Many people find obscenity revolting. If it offends, disgusts, or upsets you, it's revolting.

Keep Reading on Vocabulary.com

Vocabulary lists containing revolting

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.

Though, like many things Epstein, the man’s genetic interests were twisted, often revolting, and shockingly uninformed.

From Slate • Mar. 19, 2026

BOSTON—The home of a famous 1773 tea party is revolting again, this time over coffee.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 6, 2026

Or at least the failure would be glorious, if it weren’t so revolting at the same time.

From Salon • Feb. 1, 2026

"It is particularly revolting to experience our family's tragedy being turned into entertainment for the masses and to know that people are using our family's trauma for their own personal gain."

From BBC • Sep. 8, 2025

As Jean Louise listened, her year’s collection of revolting information fell into a fresh crystal design; as Calpurnia’s husky voice drove out her year’s accumulation of terror, Jean Louise felt life return.

From "Go Set a Watchman: A Novel" by Harper Lee