Definition of insolentnext

insolent

2 of 2

noun

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective insolent differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of insolent are arrogant, disdainful, haughty, lordly, overbearing, proud, and supercilious. While all these words mean "showing scorn for inferiors," insolent implies contemptuous haughtiness.

ignored by an insolent waiter

When could arrogant be used to replace insolent?

The synonyms arrogant and insolent are sometimes interchangeable, but arrogant implies a claiming for oneself of more consideration or importance than is warranted.

a conceited and arrogant executive

When can disdainful be used instead of insolent?

The words disdainful and insolent are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, disdainful suggests a more active and openly scornful superciliousness.

disdainful of their social inferiors

When might haughty be a better fit than insolent?

While the synonyms haughty and insolent are close in meaning, haughty suggests a consciousness of superior birth or position.

a haughty aristocrat

When is lordly a more appropriate choice than insolent?

While in some cases nearly identical to insolent, lordly implies pomposity or an arrogant display of power.

a lordly condescension

In what contexts can overbearing take the place of insolent?

The meanings of overbearing and insolent largely overlap; however, overbearing suggests a tyrannical manner or an intolerable insolence.

an overbearing supervisor

Where would proud be a reasonable alternative to insolent?

The words proud and insolent can be used in similar contexts, but proud may suggest an assumed superiority or loftiness.

too proud to take charity

When would supercilious be a good substitute for insolent?

Although the words supercilious and insolent have much in common, supercilious implies a cool, patronizing haughtiness.

an aloof and supercilious manner

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 insolent
Adjective
In the 18th century, lusty also meant insolent, which might have conveyed Anderson’s frustrations with Dina’s unwillingness to accept his authority over her. Carolyn Zola, The Conversation, 11 June 2026 Meanwhile, the insolent and hyper-confident Ruben (Stuart Campbell as a teen and Gadd as a grown-up) has been in trouble with the law from a tender age. Carlos Aguilar, Los Angeles Times, 23 Apr. 2026 Malinin’s confidence would be insolent if his acrobatics weren’t so astonishing. Sally Jenkins, The Atlantic, 1 Feb. 2026 The fox would once have crushed this insolent creature with a swipe of her paw. Hazlitt, 19 Nov. 2025 See All Example Sentences for insolent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for insolent
Adjective
  • Their rivals were a candid, impudent pair, the schoolgirlish Shakira and a throaty American bottle-service girl named Toni, both incapable of conniving their way into romance, prone to heartbreak, and swiftly ostracized for their overt judgment of other islanders.
    Lillian Fishman, New Yorker, 27 June 2026
  • Mantello wasn’t being impudent.
    Theater Critic, Los Angeles Times, 6 May 2026
Noun
  • And to add insult to social and cultural injury, the new policies also present a logistical nuisance.
    Brittany Allen, Literary Hub, 30 June 2026
  • In New York, night clubs were sometimes regarded as a civic nuisance; one obstacle was the city’s cabaret law, from 1926, which required bars to obtain a special permit if patrons were dancing and was not fully repealed until 2017.
    Kelefa Sanneh, New Yorker, 29 June 2026
Adjective
  • Historically, the spring editions of the Paris men’s trade shows have been less significant business-wise than shows for fall collections, but that is shifting.
    Alex Wynne, Footwear News, 2 July 2026
  • Still, there are moments when stepping back is the wiser act of stewardship, for both the owner and the business.
    Scott Hanson, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026
Noun
  • If the eventual outcome hadn’t been so tragic, and if one of the people involved hadn’t been an absolute imbecile, and if there hadn’t been a dearth of actual romance, their meeting would have made for good romantic fiction.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 30 Mar. 2026
  • Insulting this imbecile became the most rewarding pastime on earth.
    Rosa Lyster, Harpers Magazine, 30 Dec. 2025
Adjective
  • Some California lawmakers have come down on the bill for being too brazen and spending money California doesn’t have.
    Ben Paviour, Sacbee.com, 30 June 2026
  • Many also thought that Red44 was becoming too public, too brazen, too loud, and no one was louder than Nathan Burdette.
    Keith O’Brien, New Yorker, 25 June 2026
Noun
  • The sleeveless body-skimming dress features a transparent mesh finish that left little to the imagination, totally transforming an otherwise classic LBD into something far more provocative (and brat-like).
    Daisy Maldonado, InStyle, 25 June 2026
  • His menu includes more than two dozen food options, including the Southwest egg rolls ($11), quesadillas ($14), black and blue burger ($14), beer brat ($12), and fish and chips ($14).
    Jenna Thompson June 18, Kansas City Star, 18 June 2026
Adjective
  • Lanky with striking red hair and a cocky demeanor, Clapper was dogged and respected by his fellow cops.
    Joaquin Sapien, ProPublica, 30 June 2026
  • Thanks to one impossibly cocky fighter pilot named Maverick, Reagan-era America never felt better about itself — or its military might.
    Kevin P. Sullivan, Entertainment Weekly, 26 June 2026
Noun
  • Additionally, in the article right next to this one (regarding hepatitis B vaccinations), some of the same name-calling tactics are used (blockheads & dumpster 47).
    DP Opinion, Denver Post, 2 Feb. 2026
  • Why have a young man who looks exactly the same as the monolithic blockheads who are Perón’s followers and henchmen?
    Demetrios Matheou, HollywoodReporter, 2 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Insolent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/insolent. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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