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.

But when Burr began insulting those who believed in the spirits of the dead, the audience hissed their disapproval.

From Literature

The rule states that there should be no behaviour that is "improper, offensive, violent, threatening, abusive, indecent, insulting or provocative".

From BBC

Chinese officials first tried to frighten Ms. Takaichi off such a hawkish line with insulting rhetoric.

From The Wall Street Journal

He was jailed on Thursday on charges of insulting others via communication networks, a judicial official said.

From BBC

The curling tournament was rocked after a Swedish player accused a Canadian opponent of cheating, and the latter responded by insulting him.

From Barron's

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