insolent

adjective

in·​so·​lent ˈin(t)-s(ə-)lənt How to pronounce insolent (audio)
1
: insultingly contemptuous in speech or conduct : overbearing
2
: exhibiting boldness or effrontery : impudent
insolent noun
insolently adverb
Choose the Right Synonym for insolent

proud, arrogant, haughty, lordly, insolent, overbearing, supercilious, disdainful mean showing scorn for inferiors.

proud may suggest an assumed superiority or loftiness.

too proud to take charity

arrogant implies a claiming for oneself of more consideration or importance than is warranted.

a conceited and arrogant executive

haughty suggests a consciousness of superior birth or position.

a haughty aristocrat

lordly implies pomposity or an arrogant display of power.

a lordly condescension

insolent implies contemptuous haughtiness.

ignored by an insolent waiter

overbearing suggests a tyrannical manner or an intolerable insolence.

an overbearing supervisor

supercilious implies a cool, patronizing haughtiness.

an aloof and supercilious manner

disdainful suggests a more active and openly scornful superciliousness.

disdainful of their social inferiors

Examples of insolent in a Sentence

… the tempos were all-out fast and the tone was flat-out insolent. To some, rock-and-roll was as threatening as Communism and desegregation. Margo Jefferson, New York Times, 26 Oct. 1994
Sweating, cursing the whole Mickey Mouse operation, they paced themselves with their own insolent complaints while the foreman cursed loudest … Jayne Anne Phillips, Granta, Spring 1991
They could go days without food or water; they could withstand burning heat …  ; and if they were horribly cruel to their captives, they could themselves accept torture with insolent defiance. James A. Michener, Texas, 1985
Insolent behavior will not be tolerated. an appallingly insolent reply to a reasonable request
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These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'insolent.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Latin insolent-, insolens unaccustomed, overbearing, from in- + solens, present participle of solēre to be accustomed; perhaps akin to Latin sodalis comrade — more at sib

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of insolent was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near insolent

Cite this Entry

“Insolent.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/insolent. Accessed 18 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

insolent

adjective
in·​so·​lent ˈin(t)-s(ə-)lənt How to pronounce insolent (audio)
1
: disrespectful or rude in speech or conduct
an insolent child
2
: showing boldness or rudeness
an insolent act
insolently adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on insolent

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