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

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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 Mendelsohn also retains Homer’s repetitious epithets for characters that some modern translations—written for the silent reader of the 21st century—have slimmed down. — Chris Moody, The Atlantic, 16 July 2026 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 See All Example Sentences for epithet
Recent Examples of Synonyms for epithet
  1. nickname
  2. insult
  3. moniker
  4. sarcasm
  5. surname
Noun
  • Soon, Senior is the new leader of his son’s gang, winning hearts and minds with ’Nam stories and chummy nicknames.
    — Amanda Whiting, Vulture, 15 Oct. 2026
  • But whether calling him by first name, last name, both or by nickname, just make sure to put respect on the Lakers forward’s game that’s too varied to fit in a single position.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 13 Oct. 2026
Definition of nickname
Noun
  • But even with such attitudinal strides, Pew Research shows that people’s fears about AI’s societal impact are high, and digital choirs hurl insults at any project featuring the tech.
    — Corbin Bolies, Variety, 13 Oct. 2026
  • Continue reading … SOUR NOTE — Hayley Williams unleashes vulgar insult at DHS after agency defends ICE officers.
    — , FOXNews.com, 12 Oct. 2026
Definition of insult
Noun
  • Kristian Matsson, who records under the moniker The Tallest Man on Earth, is both blessed and cursed by having arrived nearly fully formed.
    — David Harris, SPIN, 12 Oct. 2026
  • The three-parter’s original title is Diana Unheard, and it is being sold internationally with that moniker.
    — Stewart Clarke, Deadline, 11 Oct. 2026
Definition of moniker
Noun
  • There’s a hint of sarcasm in that statement, but also a dose of reality.
    — Saad Yousuf, New York Times, 15 Oct. 2026
  • Returning the sarcasm tends to cause the same problem, with two people annoyed instead of one.
    — Angela Haupt, Time, 14 Oct. 2026
Definition of sarcasm
Noun
  • Like other Tigrayans quoted in this story, he is being referred to only by his surname for fear of retaliation by armed groups.
    — Siyanne Mekonnen, Christian Science Monitor, 16 Oct. 2026
  • Even his surname sounded like a nickname dreamed up by Seth Rogen or Judd Apatow.
    — Robb Report, Robb Report, 9 Oct. 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 19 Oct. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on epithet

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about epithet

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