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
Relevance
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
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 epithet
Lincoln Heights resident Eric Ruffin said at Tuesday night's village meeting that one of the demonstrators called him a racial epithet.
—
Antonia Hylton, NBC News, 12 Feb. 2025
Harrison reportedly dealt with racial epithets and death threats for his decision to move on from Dončić.
—Kelly Iko, The Athletic, 9 Feb. 2025
The rhetorical question was asked tongue-in-cheek, but the suggestion that this great showman could be given the epithet reserved for only the most one-dimensional players underlines his efficiency.
—Charlie Eccleshare, The Athletic, 19 Jan. 2025
Some took that remark as an innocent allusion to her job promoting fresh produce; others saw it as a pointed comment on a longtime epithet for gay men.
—Anita Gates, New York Times, 10 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for epithet
Antonia Hylton, NBC News, 12 Feb. 2025
Harrison reportedly dealt with racial epithets and death threats for his decision to move on from Dončić.
—Kelly Iko, The Athletic, 9 Feb. 2025
The rhetorical question was asked tongue-in-cheek, but the suggestion that this great showman could be given the epithet reserved for only the most one-dimensional players underlines his efficiency.
—Charlie Eccleshare, The Athletic, 19 Jan. 2025
Some took that remark as an innocent allusion to her job promoting fresh produce; others saw it as a pointed comment on a longtime epithet for gay men.
—Anita Gates, New York Times, 10 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for epithet
Recent Examples of Synonyms for epithet
Noun
-
That includes name, image and likeness but also voice, signature, nickname and other unique personal aspects.—
Michael McCann,
Sportico.com,
13 Apr. 2025
-
Flintoff – better known by his nickname Freddie – was seriously injured in a motoring accident in 2022, during filming of the BBC car show Top Gear.—
Caroline Frost,
Deadline,
12 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
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
-
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
Noun
-
Emily, who didn't share her surname, lives in the Midwest with her 11 cats.—
Josh Hammer,
MSNBC Newsweek,
15 Apr. 2025
-
Yes, his surname is definitely a little tribute to Jon.—
Alex Ritman,
Variety,
9 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
In some ways, the moniker ‘hair stylist’ undermines Tom Smith’s artistry.—
Angelina Villa-Clarke,
Forbes.com,
23 Apr. 2025
-
The America's Next Top Model creator said her name was a joint effort from her family after her mother simplified a moniker that the model’s grandmother had chosen.—
Angel Saunders,
People.com,
17 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
There’s a certain Egyptian sarcasm and dark humor that is all over my family.—
Lulu Garcia-Navarro,
New York Times,
12 Apr. 2025
-
His sarcasm is well-placed: Whatever is discussed between business leaders and the governor using these phones will be shielded from the public, says a McGeorge School of Law adjunct professor who has worked as a lobbyist in the California Capitol.—
The Editorial Board,
Oc Register,
4 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Epithet.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/epithet. Accessed 29 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share