OFFEND Synonyms: 121 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'offend' distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of offend are affront , insult , and outrage . While all these words mean "to cause hurt feelings or deep resentment," offend need not imply an intentional hurting but it may indicate merely a violation of the victim's sense of what is proper or fitting. // hoped that my remarks had not offended her

Q: Where would 'affront' be a reasonable alternative to 'offend'?

The synonyms affront and offend are sometimes interchangeable, but affront implies treating with deliberate rudeness or contemptuous indifference to courtesy. // deeply affronted by his callousness

Q: When would 'insult' be a good substitute for 'offend'?

In some situations, the words insult and offend are roughly equivalent. However, insult suggests deliberately causing humiliation, hurt pride, or shame. // insulted every guest at the party

Q: When might 'outrage' be a better fit than 'offend'?

The words outrage and offend are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, outrage implies offending beyond endurance and calling forth extreme feelings. // outraged by their accusations

offend

verb

ə-ˈfend

Definition of offend next

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

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

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

Synonym Chooser

How is the word offend distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of offend are affront, insult, and outrage. While all these words mean "to cause hurt feelings or deep resentment," offend need not imply an intentional hurting but it may indicate merely a violation of the victim's sense of what is proper or fitting.

hoped that my remarks had not offended her

Where would affront be a reasonable alternative to offend?

The synonyms affront and offend are sometimes interchangeable, but affront implies treating with deliberate rudeness or contemptuous indifference to courtesy.

deeply affronted by his callousness

When would insult be a good substitute for offend?

In some situations, the words insult and offend are roughly equivalent. However, insult suggests deliberately causing humiliation, hurt pride, or shame.

insulted every guest at the party

When might outrage be a better fit than offend?

The words outrage and offend are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, outrage implies offending beyond endurance and calling forth extreme feelings.

outraged by their accusations

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 His points of disagreement with Trump include a caustic tone that can offend Konchek, and his wife even more. —

Cnn.com Wire Service, The Mercury News, 19 Jan. 2025 The play is not for anyone offended by the c word, the f word, or other assorted sordid sundries. —

Michelle F. Solomon, Miami Herald, 15 Jan. 2025 California did not assert the right to stop an Iowa farmer from shipping offending bacon into Michigan. —

William Baldwin, Forbes, 11 Jan. 2025 MacMurray advises placing a small air purifier, like the Levoit Core Mini ($50) in the offending closet. —

Diana Budds, Architectural Digest, 16 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for offend

Recent Examples of Synonyms for offend

Verb

Many have trespassed in government buildings, blocked high-traffic bridges and entered private businesses with bullhorns, chanting at employees.

— Louis Casiano, Fox News, 30 Dec. 2024
Advertisement Early last year, Reeves filed for a temporary restraining order against a man who allegedly trespassed on the actor’s property at least six times between November 2022 and January 2023.

— Russ Mitchell, Los Angeles Times, 29 Dec. 2024