1
as in nickname
a descriptive or familiar name given instead of or in addition to the one belonging to an individual
King Richard I of England was given the very laudatory epithet "the Lion-Hearted"
Synonyms & Similar Words
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2
as in insult
an act or expression showing scorn and usually intended to hurt another's feelings
the school has a strict ban against the use of offensive epithets
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Recent Examples of epithet
Police said an investigation revealed the man had been sitting in the plaza when the woman approached him and without provocation spat on him while yelling a racial epithet directed at Black people.
—
Jason Green, Mercury News, 15 Apr. 2025
The word has become an epithet for garish, reckless growth — but to fix the housing crisis, the country needs more of it.
—Conor Dougherty, New York Times, 10 Apr. 2025
This species has no fragrance; its lavender appellation simply acknowledges its flower color while its rosemary epithet indicates its seacoast habitat.
—Joshua Siskin, Orange County Register, 22 Mar. 2025
More than a decade after Breaking Bad ended, Aaron Paul still can’t escape his character’s signature epithet.
—John Russell, People.com, 19 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for epithet
Jason Green, Mercury News, 15 Apr. 2025
The word has become an epithet for garish, reckless growth — but to fix the housing crisis, the country needs more of it.
—Conor Dougherty, New York Times, 10 Apr. 2025
This species has no fragrance; its lavender appellation simply acknowledges its flower color while its rosemary epithet indicates its seacoast habitat.
—Joshua Siskin, Orange County Register, 22 Mar. 2025
More than a decade after Breaking Bad ended, Aaron Paul still can’t escape his character’s signature epithet.
—John Russell, People.com, 19 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for epithet
Recent Examples of Synonyms for epithet
Noun
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McCallum earned his nickname by repeatedly punching the body and head.—
Steve Henson,
Los Angeles Times,
2 June 2025
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It’s even named after his childhood nickname, Kurky.—
Celia Shatzman,
Forbes.com,
30 May 2025
Noun
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These immigrants in Florida find Trump’s offer ‘an insult’ Many are skeptical.—
South Florida Sun Sentinel,
Sun Sentinel,
2 June 2025
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The master of appropriating insults just can’t do anything to make TACO his — Trump Always Cares Outstandingly just doesn’t have the same ring.—
Gustavo Arellano,
Los Angeles Times,
30 May 2025
Noun
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Amid the rift with his father, Harry spoke with his uncle Charles Spencer about changing his family’s last name to Princess Diana's surname, Spencer, but was told the legal challenges would be insurmountable.—
Simon Perry,
People.com,
5 June 2025
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Take their choice to formally use both of their surnames, for example.—
Theresa Pichler,
Glamour,
2 June 2025
Noun
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Throughout Fort Worth, streets with feminine monikers are rumored to be named for builders’ girlfriends and paramours.—
Hollace Ava Weiner,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
7 June 2025
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The residence earned its quirky moniker for its distinctive cylinder shape and all-glass exterior, offering the singer a striking bolthole during a pivotal moment in his career.—
Abby Montanez,
Robb Report,
6 June 2025
Noun
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The tuna and oranges scene, which is famously our introduction to Rita’s sarcasm and her ability to eviscerate someone and be funny about it.—
Jackie Strause,
HollywoodReporter,
3 June 2025
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Comey laid out concerns that Steele's sarcasm and suggestions that Mia is lying are bordering on harassment and that Steele is adding to Mia's trauma.—
NBC News,
NBC news,
2 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Epithet.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/epithet. Accessed 17 Jun. 2025.
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