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outrage

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verb

Synonym Chooser

How is the word outrage distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of outrage are affront, insult, and offend. While all these words mean "to cause hurt feelings or deep resentment," outrage implies offending beyond endurance and calling forth extreme feelings.

outraged by their accusations

When can affront be used instead of outrage?

While in some cases nearly identical to outrage, affront implies treating with deliberate rudeness or contemptuous indifference to courtesy.

deeply affronted by his callousness

In what contexts can insult take the place of outrage?

The words insult and outrage can be used in similar contexts, but insult suggests deliberately causing humiliation, hurt pride, or shame.

insulted every guest at the party

When is offend a more appropriate choice than outrage?

In some situations, the words offend and outrage are roughly equivalent. However, offend need not imply an intentional hurting but it may indicate merely a violation of the victim's sense of what is proper or fitting.

hoped that my remarks had not offended her

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of outrage
Noun
There's no shortage of evidence to suggest that federal agents snatched innocent people and sent them to a torture prison in El Salvador, but that outrage barely lasted a day. Jason D. Greenblatt, MSNBC Newsweek, 2 Apr. 2025 That outrage failed to materialize in large enough numbers to overturn the outcome in the reliably Republican district, foiling Democrats’ hope to pull off a huge upset that would have buoyed their party. Kate Payne, Sun Sentinel, 1 Apr. 2025
Verb
The policy has outraged customers who are now unable to ever use their cards despite going-out-of-business sales expected to continue in the months ahead. Anthony Robledo, USA TODAY, 12 Mar. 2025 The university’s decision to accede to nearly all of the Trump administration’s demands outraged some faculty members, who say Columbia has sacrificed academic freedom. Philip Marcelo, Los Angeles Times, 26 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for outrage
Recent Examples of Synonyms for outrage
Noun
  • But some Republican registrars took them as an insult, and at least one, Lisa Amatruda of Woodbury, walked out.
    Mark Pazniokas, Hartford Courant, 16 Apr. 2025
  • The imitation Punisher logo on Cole’s bullet was no act of flattery, but the most vile of insults.
    Proma Khosla, IndieWire, 16 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • The Smithsonian, the vast complex of museums that millions of Americans visit every year to see Lincoln’s top hat, the Spirit of St. Louis, Harriet Tubman’s shawl, a moon rock, and Dorothy’s ruby slippers, is at the center of the executive order’s indignation.
    David Remnick, New Yorker, 6 Apr. 2025
  • In a moment of feigned indignation, Sandler threatened to storm out of the ceremony, which prompted O'Brien to apologize for his attack.
    Edward Segarra, USA TODAY, 3 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • A lot of the time, the people on the stage or on the show, they’re not even offended.
    CT Jones, Rolling Stone, 10 Apr. 2025
  • That clip became so prominent in part because, the same week, Barrett offended the Trump base.
    Niall Stanage, The Hill, 9 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • This week, President Donald Trump froze $2.2 billion in grants to Harvard University, angering members of the Elbow Patch Mafia around America.
    Christian Schneider, National Review, 17 Apr. 2025
  • That meeting angered Israeli officials, and reportedly Dermer in particular.
    Alex Marquardt, CNN Money, 10 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • At the time, designer-label wool pencil skirts, sheer blouses, flares, furs and leather coats were all the rage, but with the launch of Dressbarn, Jaffe managed to offer her customers the latest in fashion, including designer looks, at much lower prices.
    David Moin, Footwear News, 16 Apr. 2025
  • Seems like podcasts are all the rage these days, so what makes Tracy's any different?
    Jim Clash, Forbes.com, 16 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Image On the left, the governor’s decision to engage with Mr. Kirk has infuriated Mr. Newsom’s allies.
    Laurel Rosenhall, New York Times, 12 Apr. 2025
  • For many out-of-network doctors, payments lower than their invoices are an infuriating part of doing business.
    T. Christian Miller, ProPublica, 12 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Examples include belittling comments, patronizing questions, frequent interruptions, eye-rolling, sarcasm and mean jokes.
    Charles Trepany, USA TODAY, 25 Mar. 2025
  • The episode also saw the sisters reflect on their relationship, which, as is typical with sisters, is filled with plenty of sarcasm and quips.
    Julia Moore, People.com, 20 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • Rather than working himself into a fury with alcohol, Lennon became more demonstrably affectionate and embraced the act of embracing.
    Jordan Runtagh, People.com, 8 Apr. 2025
  • The red end credits fit Gemma's shock and fury perfectly.
    Sydney Bucksbaum, EW.com, 21 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Outrage.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/outrage. Accessed 22 Apr. 2025.

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