1
as in to trespass
to commit an offense
since this is the first time you've offended, we'll let you off lightly
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to insult
to cause hurt feelings or deep resentment in
the visitor unintentionally offended his hosts terribly by failing to compliment them on the elaborately prepared meal
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in to violate
to fail to keep
offended conventional standards of uniformity by not adhering to the company dress code
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of offend
Unwilling to depend on park personnel to enforce the patriotism mandate, the Trump administration is enlisting park visitors to report potentially offending displays and ranger talks that present an insufficiently sanitized account of American history.
—
John Lawrence, Twin Cities, 18 July 2025
The offending passenger, seated in the exit row with only two seats was laying on their back across both seats with their knees underneath the armrest and their feet dangling into the space where the third chair would ordinarily be.
—Colson Thayer, People.com, 17 July 2025
The firing of career prosecutors calls to mind how Bondi, as Florida attorney general, forced out two assistants who offended a Jacksonville company linked to mortgage fraud investigations.
—Orlando Sentinel, The Orlando Sentinel, 16 July 2025
As with most of the area’s Indian-identifying restaurants, the menu is primarily Indo-Pak (that is, a range of Indian and Pakistani dishes, covering the range of subcontinental preferences — no beef, which would offend Hindus, nor pork, which would outrage Muslims).
—Eric E. Harrison, Arkansas Online, 16 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for offend
John Lawrence, Twin Cities, 18 July 2025
The offending passenger, seated in the exit row with only two seats was laying on their back across both seats with their knees underneath the armrest and their feet dangling into the space where the third chair would ordinarily be.
—Colson Thayer, People.com, 17 July 2025
The firing of career prosecutors calls to mind how Bondi, as Florida attorney general, forced out two assistants who offended a Jacksonville company linked to mortgage fraud investigations.
—Orlando Sentinel, The Orlando Sentinel, 16 July 2025
As with most of the area’s Indian-identifying restaurants, the menu is primarily Indo-Pak (that is, a range of Indian and Pakistani dishes, covering the range of subcontinental preferences — no beef, which would offend Hindus, nor pork, which would outrage Muslims).
—Eric E. Harrison, Arkansas Online, 16 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for offend
Recent Examples of Synonyms for offend
Verb
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Sheriff Nettleton explained that in Dal las’ mind, the officers were trespassing in his domain. Dallas has been formally charged with murder.—
Jim Zumbo,
Outdoor Life,
17 July 2025
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Deputies had responded to a woman who said her ex-boyfriend — later identified as Rendon — had trespassed with a handgun into her house with her four children inside, sheriff’s officials said.—
Caleb Lunetta,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
4 July 2025
Verb
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Weeks after that House hearing, the Fed lowered rates a quarter point, but Trump kept haranguing and insulting Powell, calling for even more easing.—
Preston Fore,
Fortune,
19 July 2025
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Offend clients or coworkers: Social media posts that target or insult certain groups, especially in a way that reflects poorly on your employer, can lead to termination.—
Tiffani Jackson,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
17 July 2025
Verb
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An administrative review over whether the deputies violated department policies is also ongoing, Waters said.—
Danya Gainor,
CNN Money,
23 July 2025
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Under the proposal, violating the permit restrictions would carry a $150 fine.—
John Tuohy,
IndyStar,
23 July 2025
Verb
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More aggressive treatment options Advertisement In particularly severe cases—especially when someone has an underlying autoimmune disease—OTC eye drops and lifestyle modifications will likely fall short.—
Angela Haupt,
Time,
21 July 2025
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According to data from professional services giant PwC, global M & A volumes fell 9% year-on-year in the first half of 2025, but deal values were up by 15%.—
Chloe Taylor,
CNBC,
21 July 2025
Verb
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Many Jews in America and around the world and in Israel are also outraged by the actions of the Israeli government.—
Chicago Tribune,
Chicago Tribune,
27 July 2025
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The vote outraged many residents, generated ethics complaints and helped elect Cunningham, then a council member who had voted against the upzoning, as mayor in 2018, defeating Flinn.—
Andres Viglucci,
Miami Herald,
18 July 2025
Verb
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Last year was the deadliest year recorded for children with autism who wandered, and nearly all in that record died from drowning, according to tracking from the association.—
Darcie Moran,
USA Today,
29 July 2025
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Each of the eight pet-friendly rooms has a different design, and guests can enjoy nearby restaurants and wander the surrounding Bellaire Court Historic District.—
Caroline Eubanks,
Travel + Leisure,
29 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Offend.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/offend. Accessed 5 Aug. 2025.
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