What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
incensed
Example
She was incensed by the way she was treated at the store. [incensed: adjective]
Example
He became incensed when he found out he had been lied to. [incensed: verb]
outraged
Example
The community was outraged by the police brutality. [outraged: adjective]
Example
She was outraged when she heard about the company's unethical practices. [outraged: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Outraged is more commonly used than incensed in everyday language, particularly in formal contexts where it is often used to express moral indignation. Incensed is less common and is typically used in more informal contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between incensed and outraged?
Outraged is generally considered more formal than incensed, and is often used in formal writing or public speaking to express strong disapproval or condemnation.