Entry Word: offensive

Function: adjective

Meaning: 1 causing intense displeasure, disgust, or resentment <I find your disrespectful attitude toward religion very offensive> <the smell of rotting food is quite offensive>

Synonyms abhorrent, abominable, appalling, awful, distasteful, dreadful, foul, hideous, horrendous, horrible, horrid, loathsome, nasty, nauseating, noisome, obnoxious, obscene, odious, repellent (also repellant), repugnant, repulsive, revolting, scandalous, shocking, sickening, ugly

Related Words exceptionable, objectionable; disagreeable, unpleasant; contemptible, despicable, detestable, hateful; unhealthy, unwholesome; execrable, lousy, miserable; atrocious, heinous, unspeakable; barbarous, unchristian, uncivilized, ungodly, unholy

Near Antonyms acceptable, agreeable, attractive, delectable, delightful, desirable, likable (or likeable), pleasant, pleasing, welcome; unobjectionable; healthy, wholesome

Antonyms inoffensive

2 provoking or likely to provoke protest <insensitive, offensive remarks about the plight of the homeless> — see objectionable