INSOLENCES Synonyms: 125 Similar and Opposite Words

insolence

noun

ˈin(t)-s(ə-)lən(t)s

Definition of insolence

as in disrespect

disrespectful or argumentative talk given in response to a command or request amazed that parents would tolerate such insolence from their teenaged children

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in disrespectfulness

rude behavior her frequent displays of insolence have lowered her standing among movie fans

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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 insolence As to the kids’ responses, the more genial Olmo is not above whining, while parental demands usually provoke flat-out insolence from Ana, who breathes cigarette smoke like dragon fire. — Sheri Linden, The Hollywood Reporter, 17 Feb. 2025 Turner, in her incendiary film debut, drapes Matty in haughty insolence, desperate unattainability, and seductive refinement. — Kevin Jacobsen, Entertainment Weekly, 14 Mar. 2026 Set at some indeterminate point in the 18-whatevers, Young Sherlock begins with 19-year-old Sherlock (Hero Fiennes Tiffin) at London’s Newgate Prison, locked away for pickpocketing and general insolence. — Daniel Fienberg, HollywoodReporter, 3 Sep. 2019 Here Are All The Companies Cutting DEI Programs For old school ‘proper football men’ seeing such insolence on the field is simply unacceptable and when he was asked about the incident on talkSPORT ex-Liverpool striker Dean Saunders didn’t hold back. — Zak Garner-Purkis, Forbes, 27 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for insolence

Recent Examples of Synonyms for insolence

Noun

No disrespect to Meredith Marks, of course, but this Bravo DJ epidemic has gotten out of control.

— Tom Smyth, Vulture, 2 July 2026
Managers frequently mistake flexibility for a weak work ethic, mental health discussions for fragility, transparency for disrespect, and feedback requests for neediness.

— Mark Murphy, Forbes.com, 30 June 2026

Definition of disrespect

Noun

The once-vaunted values of public life are now reduced to the lower standards of private life—venality, vulgarity, rudeness, incontinence, and ignorance.

— Simon Sebag Montefiore, The Atlantic, 28 June 2026
Tell her about the long, unwelcome chats, the bullying and the rudeness.

— Jeanne Phillips, Mercury News, 25 June 2026

Definition of rudeness

Noun

Cronin has long toed the line of humor and impudence, appearing in social media clips all season.

— Aaron Heisen, Daily News, 21 Feb. 2026
But such aesthetic impudence is par for the course at the kaleidoscopic seaside pleasure dome of architect Chet Callahan, his husband, finance executive Jacinto Hernandez, and their teenage sons, Hernan and Noe.

— Mayer Rus, Architectural Digest, 12 Feb. 2026

Definition of impudence

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insofar as

insolence

insolent

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“Insolence.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/insolence. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of insolence

noun

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