Definitions

insolence

[in-suh-luhns] / ˈɪn sə ləns /

NOUN

boldness, disrespect

Synonyms

STRONG

abuse arrogance audacity brass brazenness cheek chutzpah contempt contemptuousness contumely effrontery gall guff hardihood impertinence impudence incivility insubordination lip offensiveness pertness presumption rudeness sass sauce

WEAK

back talk uncivility

Antonyms

STRONG

approval carefulness caution humility manners meekness modesty politeness respect shyness timidity

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

David Gorski, who blogs at Respectful Insolence, suggests:

From Forbes • Aug. 7, 2015

“And you. You are to address me as Madam. I expect obedience at all times. Insolence will not be tolerated, not one bit. And you will curb your tendency to talk.”

From "Chains" by Laurie Halse Anderson

Among the Pleasures of the Populace there are some too that are mixed with Insolence; of which I saw an Instance a few Days ago in St. James’s Park.

From The Memoirs of Charles-Lewis, Baron de Pollnitz, Volume II Being the Observations He Made in His Late Travels From Prussia thro' Germany, Italy, France, Flanders, Holland, England, &C. in Letters to His Friend. Discovering Not Only the Present State of the Chief Cities and Towns; but the Characters of the Principal Persons at the Several Courts. by P?llnitz, Karl Ludwig von

Insolence has no place near you in my mind and memory.

From The Claw by Stockley, Cynthia

Insolence in the face of danger rallies the cowardly, and inspirits them to go on.

From Toilers of the Sea by Hugo, Victor

Vocabulary lists containing insolence

Chains

Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!

Heart of Darkness

Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!

Nothing But the Truth

Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!