offend

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

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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 The offending driver, witnesses said, kept going north on Western after the collision. Sam Charles, Chicago Tribune, 28 May 2025 Those looking to be offended are bound to find something, e.g., your description of a right-wing religious group’s fundraising scheme. Lizz Schumer, People.com, 28 May 2025 Moskowitz said at the time, with tongue in cheek, he was offended by the low price, writing on social media that the store had reduced the value of his life’s work to less than $9. Anthony Man, Sun Sentinel, 27 May 2025 Richard was known for being outspoken, if not arrogant, consistently rubbing his Tagi tribe the wrong way and offending some of them with his blatant display of nudity on the island. Nick Caruso, TVLine, 27 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for offend
Recent Examples of Synonyms for offend
Verb
  • Getty Images Steele's bill would allow Pennsylvania's Game Commission to legalize hunting on Sundays of its choosing, while outlining new regulations related to hunting, such as trespassing penalties.
    Theo Burman, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 June 2025
  • Baraka claims Habba improperly ordered his arrest and prosecution for reportedly trespassing at Delaney Hall, a detention center near Newark Liberty International Airport.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 4 June 2025
Verb
  • The violence broke out over a video of a man, alleged to be Druze, insulting the prophet Muhammad.
    Taylor Luck, Christian Science Monitor, 11 June 2025
  • To many watching, Elon Musk’s decision to publicly insult President Trump seemed self-destructive, if not outright irrational.
    Joel Shulman, Forbes.com, 8 June 2025
Verb
  • The amendment was inspired by neighboring counties, including Sacramento and Placer, that already instituted hefty fines for violating fireworks ordinances.
    Jack Rodriquez-Vars, Sacbee.com, 5 June 2025
  • If an interaction that violates our Community Guidelines occurs, report it to us.
    ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 5 June 2025
Verb
  • Americans celebrate Flag Day, which falls on Saturday, June 14, in many ways, including parades, ceremonies and educational events designed to encourage respect for the flag and its significance.
    Amaris Encinas, USA Today, 15 June 2025
  • Wolfe's consistent buyback basket screens for companies that have such a track record of stock repurchases that their share counts have fallen for at least 10 straight years.
    Brian Evans, CNBC, 15 June 2025
Verb
  • Those statements are stirring anger or frustration by Capitol siege victims, who are still outraged by the pardons President Trump issued to more than 1,500 Capitol riot defendants — including approximately 600 accused of assaulting police.
    Scott MacFarlane, CBS News, 9 June 2025
  • The performance issues for Pokémon Scarlet and Violet were immediately noticed at launch, with fans outraged by the state of the game.
    Oliver Brandt, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 June 2025
Verb
  • Then of course, there’s wandering through some of the region’s rich history.
    Tom Hyland, Forbes.com, 12 June 2025
  • In this meeting on a warm June morning, Leo, 5, wanders off to play the drums in the next room.
    Lynda Lin Grigsby, Los Angeles Times, 11 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Offend.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/offend. Accessed 18 Jun. 2025.

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