dudgeon

Definition of dudgeonnext

Synonym Chooser

How is the word dudgeon distinct from other similar nouns?

Some common synonyms of dudgeon are huff, offense, pique, resentment, and umbrage. While all these words mean "an emotional response to or an emotional state resulting from a slight or indignity," dudgeon suggests an angry fit of indignation.

stormed out of the meeting in high dudgeon

When would huff be a good substitute for dudgeon?

The words huff and dudgeon are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, huff implies a peevish short-lived spell of anger usually at a petty cause.

in a huff he slammed the door

When could offense be used to replace dudgeon?

Although the words offense and dudgeon have much in common, offense implies hurt displeasure.

takes deep offense at racial slurs

When is it sensible to use pique instead of dudgeon?

The synonyms pique and dudgeon are sometimes interchangeable, but pique applies to a transient feeling of wounded vanity.

in a pique I foolishly declined the invitation

Where would resentment be a reasonable alternative to dudgeon?

The words resentment and dudgeon can be used in similar contexts, but resentment suggests lasting indignation or ill will.

harbored a lifelong resentment of his brother

In what contexts can umbrage take the place of dudgeon?

The meanings of umbrage and dudgeon largely overlap; however, umbrage may suggest hurt pride, resentment, or suspicion of another's motives.

took umbrage at the offer of advice

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 dudgeon Meanwhile, Will Forte gives a one-note performance as Avery, the lawyer who’s stuck in a mode of desperate high dudgeon. — Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 12 Aug. 2026 Maybe the high public dudgeon is just envy masquerading as principle. — Jeffrey Kluger, Time, 12 June 2026 Beck is in a state of high dudgeon, because there’s a big shipment due and two of his drivers are AWOL. — Chris Klimek, Vulture, 20 Feb. 2025 Instead, the high dudgeon now heard in Tennant’s fey voice gives too much weight to the smugness of group-thinkers. — Armond White, National Review, 18 Sep. 2024 But some Angelenos took their picket signs and their dudgeon to City Hall. — Patt Morrison, Los Angeles Times, 1 Oct. 2023 But the movement is flummoxed now that its style of one-way dialogue and high-dudgeon shaming is provoking sharp backlash from illiberal strongmen, right-wing populists, and the mass constituencies that support these strongmen around the globe. — Jack Snyder, Foreign Affairs, 21 July 2022
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dudgeon
Noun
  • Devers walked back to the dugout in a huff.
    — Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 22 June 2026
  • Not everyone feels the same way, however, and some progressive parents and staff are in a huff.
    — The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 19 May 2026
Noun
  • Republican lawmakers -- many of them in tough election contests where soaring fuel costs are driving voter anger -- praised the agreement.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 3 Oct. 2026
  • The defeat came amid protests sparked by an elderly woman’s eviction, and could deepen public anger and fuel speculation about early elections.
    — Joseph Wilson, Los Angeles Times, 2 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • In the end, director Duong, recognizing Aunt Hanh’s residual indignation, lances that boil.
    — Etan Vlessing, HollywoodReporter, 4 Oct. 2026
  • But a new wave of indignation swept Spain when Abascal, who uses a wheelchair, was carried on a stretcher from her apartment after police cordoned off the street.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 30 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • The benches and bullpens emptied as the first baseman, who had homered in the first inning, took umbrage with the pitches.
    — LaMond Pope, Chicago Tribune, 14 Aug. 2026
  • Vitello did not mention Randazzo or the Apple TV broadcast, but the Giants’ rookie manager took umbrage with the accusation.
    — Justice delos Santos, Mercury News, 2 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • Players slapped each other’s helmets in frustration while angry voices carried from the sideline.
    — D’Joumbarey Moreau, Miami Herald, 3 Oct. 2026
  • Rubin acknowledged the union’s frustrations in a response to the no-confidence vote, but said there were no funds available to increase overtime.
    — Kendrick Calfee, Kansas City Star, 3 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • But through a bit of TV fame, and Ramsay’s signature yelling, ranting, exasperation and, in the end, brotherly wisdom, perhaps its restaurant dreams can come true.
    — Eric Adler, Kansas City Star, 1 Oct. 2026
  • In a room full of fascists and fools, Ahmed’s projection of competence—and of the spluttering exasperation that is the lot of the competent—proves a genuine balm.
    — Justin Chang, New Yorker, 30 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • Despite Okinawa’s importance to US military strategy, the US troops stationed on the island have at times caused resentment and anger among residents.
    — Junko Ogura, CNN Money, 4 Oct. 2026
  • Here was my chance to get out of London, this counterfeit of death with its everywhere rage and its moribund culture and its smug population and its streets steeped in resentment and the sky pressing down like a chloroform rag.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 1 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • The first is pique, a sharp, vinegary hot sauce that throbs with the heat of Thai chiles.
    — Jenn Harris, Los Angeles Times, 30 July 2026
  • Fewer annoying managers, rehab visits, or fits of artistic pique.
    — Dana Harris-Bridson, IndieWire, 22 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Dudgeon.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dudgeon. Accessed 9 Oct. 2026.

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