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
Relevance
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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 offend
But, stop the presses, even some Republicans were offended.
—
Bill Goodykoontz, AZCentral.com, 6 Feb. 2026
Williams said he was offended until the Hogues explained himself.
—Timia Cobb
breaking News Reporter, Dallas Morning News, 6 Feb. 2026
Police said that through witness statements and security footage from the area, officers were able to identify the offending vehicle and searched the area.
—Jeramie Bizzle, CBS News, 3 Feb. 2026
Many viewers were offended by the conduct of both the protesters and the journalists.
—Brian Stelter, CNN Money, 31 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for offend
Bill Goodykoontz, AZCentral.com, 6 Feb. 2026
Williams said he was offended until the Hogues explained himself.
—Timia Cobb
breaking News Reporter, Dallas Morning News, 6 Feb. 2026
Police said that through witness statements and security footage from the area, officers were able to identify the offending vehicle and searched the area.
—Jeramie Bizzle, CBS News, 3 Feb. 2026
Many viewers were offended by the conduct of both the protesters and the journalists.
—Brian Stelter, CNN Money, 31 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for offend
Recent Examples of Synonyms for offend
Verb
-
Elizabeth and her family are attending as guests and Michael is caught trespassing.—
Rebecca Angel Baer,
Southern Living,
29 Jan. 2026
-
Don't protest and don't trespass.—
Anna Schecter,
CBS News,
28 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
To do so would be rude, politically perilous, insulting to our biggest trade partner and just plain weird.—
Gustavo Arellano,
Los Angeles Times,
6 Feb. 2026
-
Even if their tastes differ from yours, true friends shouldn’t insult your honest self-expression.—
Tarot.com,
The Orlando Sentinel,
4 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
If the director and board both agree the investigation showed police policy was violated, the Cincinnati city manager will make a final decision regarding punishment, if warranted.—
Matthew Cupelli,
Cincinnati Enquirer,
9 Feb. 2026
-
Cross later filed a federal lawsuit against Nanos, claiming the sheriff violated his First Amendment rights.—
Peter D'Abrosca , Alexandra Koch,
FOXNews.com,
8 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Council members had long pledged to quell gang violence and improve life for Haiti but fell overwhelmingly short.—
EVENS SANON,
Arkansas Online,
8 Feb. 2026
-
Short video and artificial intelligence video generation company Kuaishou fell by 11% during the same time period.—
Evelyn Cheng,
CNBC,
8 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
The move in the House chamber by Pavalock-D’Amato outraged House Speaker Matt Ritter, who is known for his mild-mannered handling of the 151-member House chamber.—
Christopher Keating,
Hartford Courant,
8 Feb. 2026
-
The concert promoted by the right-wing group founded by the late Charlie Kirk and now run by his widow, Erika, is in response to conservatives outraged over the NFL’s selection of Grammy-winning music superstar Bad Bunny, who sings primarily in Spanish, as the halftime act.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
6 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
For something more low-key, wander down to the local beach from the hotel’s beach club, stopping off for a fresh coconut along the way.—
Harriet Compston,
Condé Nast Traveler,
9 Feb. 2026
-
Cherniack said Healey, who was identified for the first time Monday, was known to wander about the premises.—
Livi Stanford,
Hartford Courant,
9 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Offend.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/offend. Accessed 15 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
