OFFENSE Synonyms: 202 Similar and Opposite Words

offense

noun

ə-ˈfen(t)s

variants or offence

Definition of offense next

as in crime

a breaking of a moral or legal code wartime offenses that are crimes against all of humanity

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

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as in outrage

an act or expression showing scorn and usually intended to hurt another's feelings a diplomat never deliberately gives offense

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as in resentment

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

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Synonym Chooser

How does the noun offense contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of offense are crime, scandal, sin, and vice. While all these words mean "a transgression of law," offense applies to the infraction of any law, rule, or code.

at that school no offense went unpunished

In what contexts can crime take the place of offense?

In some situations, the words crime and offense are roughly equivalent. However, crime implies a serious offense punishable by the law of the state.

the crime of murder

When can scandal be used instead of offense?

The words scandal and offense can be used in similar contexts, but scandal applies to an offense that outrages the public conscience.

a career ruined by a sex scandal

When is it sensible to use sin instead of offense?

The synonyms sin and offense are sometimes interchangeable, but sin implies an offense against moral or religious law.

the sin of blasphemy

Where would vice be a reasonable alternative to offense?

The meanings of vice and offense largely overlap; however, vice applies to a habit or practice that degrades or corrupts.

regarded gambling as a vice

Examples 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 offense In his state case, Mangione is accused of first-degree murder in furtherance of terrorism, second-degree murder as a crime of terrorism — which carries a maximum prison term of life without parole — and nine other offenses. —

John Annese, New York Daily News, 20 Dec. 2024 Mangione is also charged with stalking and firearms offenses in the Southern District of New York, according to a criminal complaint which remained sealed Thursday afternoon, but was published by the New York Times. —

Ben Brachfeld, People.com, 19 Dec. 2024 The complaint charges Mangione with two counts of stalking, one count of murder through use of a firearm and a firearms offense. —

Gord Magill, Newsweek, 19 Dec. 2024 The pair will be expected to revive an offense that ranked 15th among 16 SEC teams in scoring and last in the league in passing yards. —

Sam Khan Jr., The Athletic, 19 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for offense

Recent Examples of Synonyms for offense

Noun

In general, a 2005 federal law shields gun manufacturers and dealers from liability from crimes committed with their products.

Nick Penzenstadler, USA TODAY, 20 Dec. 2024
Given the extreme nature of Dominique’s crimes, many had hoped for a life sentence.

Chloe Laws, Glamour, 19 Dec. 2024