variants
or offence
1
as in crime
a breaking of a moral or legal code
wartime offenses that are crimes against all of humanity
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in offensive
the act or action of setting upon with force or violence
combat casualties grew enormously as the weapons of offense became far more technologically advanced than defensive armor
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in insult
an act or expression showing scorn and usually intended to hurt another's feelings
a diplomat never deliberately gives offense
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in anger
the feeling of being offended or resentful after a slight or indignity
my mother was prone to take offense even at the most innocent remark
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
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Recent Examples of offense
The offenses included allegedly throwing rocks at Israeli officers, according to attorney Munjed Ahmad.
—
Sophia Tareen, Chicago Tribune, 3 Apr. 2026
Deft enough as a passer to find teammates, whether against constant double teams coming for him as the top name on every scouting report or while running the entire offense from up top.
—ABC News, 3 Apr. 2026
Under a change to Florida law last year, refusing an officer’s request to take a breath, blood or urine test became a misdemeanor, even for a first offense.
—R.j. Rico, Fortune, 3 Apr. 2026
Phase three, considered the OTA window, features 7-on-7, 9-on-7 and 11-on-11 drills — without live contact — with the offense against the defense.
—Mike Kaye, Charlotte Observer, 3 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for offense
Sophia Tareen, Chicago Tribune, 3 Apr. 2026
Deft enough as a passer to find teammates, whether against constant double teams coming for him as the top name on every scouting report or while running the entire offense from up top.
—ABC News, 3 Apr. 2026
Under a change to Florida law last year, refusing an officer’s request to take a breath, blood or urine test became a misdemeanor, even for a first offense.
—R.j. Rico, Fortune, 3 Apr. 2026
Phase three, considered the OTA window, features 7-on-7, 9-on-7 and 11-on-11 drills — without live contact — with the offense against the defense.
—Mike Kaye, Charlotte Observer, 3 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for offense
Recent Examples of Synonyms for offense
Noun
-
Prisoners who are guilty of various violent crimes were not eligible, according to the embassy.—
Joe Walsh,
CBS News,
3 Apr. 2026
-
Oz, who earlier this year was criticized after posting a video accusing Armenian crime groups of carrying out widespread fraud, continued Thursday to accuse California and Los Angeles officials of not doing enough to combat fraud.—
Richard Winton,
Los Angeles Times,
2 Apr. 2026
Noun
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Netanyahu’s announcement is likely to intensify fears that Israel intends to model its invasion of southern Lebanon on its yearslong military offensive in the Gaza Strip.—
Charlene Gubash,
NBC news,
30 Mar. 2026
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The Rapid Support Forces and their allies in the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement–North launched a major offensive on Saturday on Dilling, the capital of South Kordofan province.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
29 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Laughs and insults, all expressed at a high volume, were guaranteed to follow.—
Chris Perkins,
Sun Sentinel,
31 Mar. 2026
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The fan repeatedly shouted insults at Punk while pledging allegiance to Reigns.—
Andrew Ravens,
MSNBC Newsweek,
31 Mar. 2026
Noun
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That a website better known for racing to announce celebrity deaths and releasing videos of misbehaving reality stars has turned its eye on DC says something about the anger roiling the nation.—
Elex Michaelson,
CNN Money,
3 Apr. 2026
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Their last few encounters have left Dana on the brink of tears or screaming in anger at herself in the bathroom.—
Hunter Ingram,
Variety,
3 Apr. 2026
Noun
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The warrant was issued as part of an investigation into narcotics violations, police said.—
Mike Darnay,
CBS News,
3 Apr. 2026
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Now called The Palms — records show the home changed ownership both in 2018 and 2019 — the ALF has been cited by health regulators for 90 violations since 2012.—
Carol Marbin Miller,
Miami Herald,
2 Apr. 2026
Noun
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Riverside County Department of Animal Services officials are seeking help from the public in locating a pair of dogs that were recently involved in an attack on a wild burro, part of a series of attacks on the creatures dating back to late 2025.—
Dean Fioresi,
CBS News,
4 Apr. 2026
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His two-run single helped Andrew go up 5-0 after the first, and his versatility is a key component of the Thunderbolts’ attack.—
Patrick Z. McGavin,
Chicago Tribune,
4 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Goldberg responded with open sarcasm and frustration.—
Andrew Ravens,
MSNBC Newsweek,
30 Mar. 2026
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That’s a heavy dose of sarcasm for those who overreacted to Judge’s first few at-bats of a long, grueling season.—
Gary Phillips,
New York Daily News,
27 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Among agonized grunts and huffs, Probst narrated the fumbles.—
Sarah Grant,
New Yorker,
2 Feb. 2026
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David walks out of the kitchen and Moira huffs and takes his spot over the pot.—
Sabrina Weiss,
PEOPLE,
31 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Offense.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/offense. Accessed 5 Apr. 2026.
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