Invective — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

noun adjective /in-ˈvek-tiv/ in·vec·tive

Meaning & Definition of Invective

Invective (noun)

  1. insulting or abusive language, vituperation
  2. an abusive expression or speech

Invective (adjective)

  1. of, relating to, or characterized by insult or abuse

Invective (noun) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. harsh insulting language

    "hurled curses and invective at the driver who heedlessly cut them off in traffic"

    similar: abuse, billingsgate, fulmination, obloquy, scurrility, vitriol, vituperation
    related: blackguardism, blasphemy, curse, execration, imprecation, malediction, profanity, epithet, insult, put-down, slur, expletive, swearword, aspersion, bad-mouthing, belittlement, disparagement, revilement, vilification, castigation, chastisement, criticism, excoriation, opprobrium, rebuke, reprimand, reproof, broadside, diatribe, harangue, polemic, tirade
    near: acclaim, applause, commendation, praise, compliments, congratulations, endearments, felicitations, adulation, blarney, flattery, overpraise, soft soap

Invective (adjective) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. marked by harsh insulting language

    "an overbearing, bullying boss who is fond of sending invective e-mails to long-suffering assistants"

    similar: abusive, contumelious, opprobrious, scurrile, scurrilous, truculent, vitriolic, vituperative, vituperatory
    related: affronting, insulting, offending, offensive, outrageous, outraging, coarse, crude, dirty, filthy, foul, foulmouthed, gross, indecent, nasty, obscene, potty-mouthed, vulgar, contemptuous, disdainful, scornful, defamatory, libelous, scandalous, slanderous, maligning, traducing, vilifying, hateful, malevolent, malicious, spiteful, immoderate, intemperate, unbridled, unrestrained
    near: moderate, temperate, deferential, respectful, civil, courteous, gracious, mannerly, polite, discreet, judicious, tempered, encomiastic, laudative, laudatory, praiseful

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Invective

The most common words with a similar meaning to Invective:

abuse, billingsgate, fulmination, obloquy, scurrility, vitriol, vituperation, abusive, contumelious, opprobrious, scurrile, scurrilous, truculent, vitriolic, vituperative, vituperatory

Related Words for Invective

blackguardism, blasphemy, curse, execration, imprecation, malediction, profanity, epithet, insult, put-down, slur, expletive, swearword, aspersion, bad-mouthing, belittlement, disparagement, revilement, vilification, castigation, chastisement, criticism, excoriation, opprobrium, rebuke, reprimand, reproof, broadside, diatribe, harangue

Near Antonyms of Invective

acclaim, applause, commendation, praise, compliments, congratulations, endearments, felicitations, adulation, blarney, flattery, overpraise, soft soap, moderate, temperate, deferential, respectful, civil, courteous, gracious, mannerly, polite, discreet, judicious, tempered, encomiastic, laudative, laudatory, praiseful

Word Forms of Invective

Derived words: invectively (adverb), invectiveness (noun)

Origin & Etymology of Invective

Middle English invectif, from Middle French, from Latin invectivus, from invectus, past participle of invehere

First known use: 1523

Frequently Asked Questions about Invective

What does "Invective" mean?

"Invective" means insulting or abusive language, vituperation. As an a noun and an adjective, it is defined as: insulting or abusive language, vituperation. It has 2 distinct senses.

What is another word for "Invective"?

Other words for "Invective" include abuse, billingsgate, fulmination, obloquy, scurrility, vitriol, vituperation and abusive. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Invective" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Invective"?

There are 84 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Invective". Common alternatives include abuse, billingsgate, fulmination, obloquy, scurrility, vitriol, vituperation, abusive, contumelious and opprobrious.

How do you use "Invective" in a sentence?

Examples of "Invective" in a sentence: "hurled curses and invective at the driver who heedlessly cut them off in traffic"; "an overbearing, bullying boss who is fond of sending invective e-mails to long-suffering assistants".

Is "Invective" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Invective" can be used as a noun and an adjective, depending on the context.

How do you pronounce "Invective"?

"Invective" is pronounced /in-ˈvek-tiv/ and divided into syllables as in·vec·tive.

What is the origin of the word "Invective"?

"Invective" comes from Middle English invectif, from Middle French, from Latin invectivus, from invectus, past participle of invehere. First known use: 1523.

What is another word for "Invective" meaning "harsh insulting language"?

When "Invective" (noun) means harsh insulting language, synonyms include abuse, billingsgate, fulmination, obloquy, scurrility and vitriol.