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Synonyms

insulting

American  
[in-suhl-ting] / ɪnˈsʌl tɪŋ /

adjective

  1. 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 it was a little insulting at the time, and I’m grateful we have grown so much since then.”

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 3, 2026

Ian Lewer, who was at the 2018 rugby club dinner with his wife, said the joke was "crude, bad taste and insulting".

From BBC • Mar. 25, 2026

The young folk were always insulting him behind his back, the village chief complained.

From Barron's • Mar. 14, 2026

Someone in the room, she recalled, said, “That was one of the most insulting things I have ever heard.”

From Salon • Mar. 8, 2026

“I’ve already forgiven you. You don’t have to keep insulting him on my account.”

From "We Are the Ants" by Shaun David Hutchinson

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

Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.