epithet

noun

ˈe-pə-ˌthet How to pronounce epithet (audio)
Definition of epithetnext
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"

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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 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 That epithet is more unhinged than any of the examples the Tribune Editorial Board gives in the editorial. — Chicago Tribune, 9 July 2026 But Moscow’s options are few, and the epithet from the start of the war – that a weak and losing Russia can not suddenly also be a hundred feet tall – remains. — Nick Paton Walsh, CNN Money, 6 July 2026 Tape recordings played during the case also showed Fuhrman had used a racial epithet despite his testimony claiming to never have done so. — Marc Ramirez, USA Today, 18 May 2026 The Chawla said multiple campaign road signs were vandalized with racial epithets in two separate incidents. — Carlos E. Castañeda, CBS News, 18 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for epithet
Recent Examples of Synonyms for epithet
  1. nickname
  2. insult
  3. moniker
  4. sarcasm
  5. surname
Noun
  • In theory, Daniels could sue LSU for misappropriation of his right of publicity, which forbids the unauthorized commercial use of a college athlete’s name, image, likeness, signature, voice, nickname and other identifying traits.
    — Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 15 Aug. 2026
  • Some people go so far as to repeat the nickname incredulously, or to make fun of it.
    — Jacobina Martin, Washington Post, 15 Aug. 2026
Definition of nickname
Noun
  • There’s blood and insults and exasperation and pain and horror.
    — Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 10 Aug. 2026
  • The amendment aims to prevent players from hiding insults or other abuse — including discriminatory remarks — behind their hand, arm or jersey.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 10 Aug. 2026
Definition of insult
Noun
  • His bravado in attacking opponents’ campaign donors has earned him the moniker Meek Mill, likening his attacks to the rapper’s’ spitfire energy fueled from his time as a battle rapper.
    — Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 12 Aug. 2026
  • For the uninitiated, the Wizards Guild of America shares the same moniker, WGA, with the Writers Guild of America, which Stuart Fails to Save the Universe creators are all members of.
    — Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 6 Aug. 2026
Definition of moniker
Noun
  • Back on the main stage, Mumford also stripped away the silliness and sarcasm.
    — Théoden Janes, Charlotte Observer, 10 Aug. 2026
  • Her business-strategy forecasting was met with sarcasm and disdain — her role as pop’s leading philosopher somewhat rejected by people online.
    — Fran Hoepfner, Vulture, 23 July 2026
Definition of sarcasm
Noun
  • The sighting comes after Suri, who is studying musical theater at Carnegie Melon’s School of Drama, legally removed Cruise as her last name in Pennsylvania and changed her surname to Noelle, Katie’s middle name.
    — Jason Pham, StyleCaster, 3 Aug. 2026
  • The decision to adopt it in the place of Cruise’s surname might suggest a desire to honor her mother.
    — Alessia Ferri, Vanity Fair, 30 July 2026
Definition of surname

Browse Nearby Words

epitaphs
epithet
epithets
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Cite this Entry

“Epithet.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/epithet. Accessed 17 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on epithet

Nglish: Translation of epithet for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about epithet

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