OFFENCE Synonyms: 202 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

offense

noun

ə-ˈfen(t)s

variants or offence

Definition of offense

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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in insult

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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

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 offense Both were arrested on suspicion of offenses against the state. — ABC News, 24 July 2026 But his offense places mental pressure on quarterbacks, from its extensive pre-snap verbiage to its route construction. — Scott Dochterman, New York Times, 24 July 2026 Yes, the 49ers remain in the process of moving on from Aiyuk, and Samuel has already proven to be a good fit in Shanahan’s offense. — Chris Biderman, Sacbee.com, 24 July 2026 Here's a look at the retail stores with the worst offenses across the Valley. — Laura Daniella Sepulveda, AZCentral.com, 23 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for offense

Recent Examples of Synonyms for offense

Noun

The resident, who asked not to be identified, said that crime and other types of violence in the area have become increasingly common since the COVID-19 pandemic.

— Lillie Davidson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 25 July 2026
While following the money may be difficult, there are other signs of the growing role of organized crime in politics.

— Mary Beth Sheridan, CNN Money, 25 July 2026

Definition of crime

Noun

Iran did claim in this year’s war that Erbil was one of the targets of its air force during the offensive its fighters took in the first days of the war, although this remains unconfirmed.

— Paul Iddon, Forbes.com, 20 July 2026
The group built underground networks through assassinations, extortion, intimidation and infiltration before launching its offensive.

— Emma Bussey, FOXNews.com, 20 July 2026

Definition of offensive

Noun

The list of insults faced by those of us trying to live here is pretty lengthy already.

— Matthew Sedacca, Curbed, 21 July 2026
Supporters embraced the insult as a badge of resistance, turning it into a satirical political campaign that amassed more than 21 million Instagram followers in a few days.

— Aijaz Hussain, Los Angeles Times, 19 July 2026

Definition of insult

Noun

Jennifer Wedel, whose daughter graduated from Heritage Christian Academy, has been outspoken about her frustration and anger at Eric Crawford allowing his son to work around children.

— Rachel Royster July 23, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 23 July 2026
Much of the public’s anger was directed at Syrskyi, who became a symbol of deeper frustrations that had accumulated within the military since Russia's full-scale invasion in 2022.

— ABC News, ABC News, 23 July 2026

Definition of anger

Noun

The state ethics commission accused the Georgia Republican Assembly and its political action committee of failing to disclose more than $180,000 of contributions and other violations.

— David Wickert, AJC.com, 22 July 2026
The citations were issued for violations that included speeding, not adhering to traffic signs and signals, unsafe turning movements, use of cellphones and driving without a license.

— Caleb Lunetta, San Diego Union-Tribune, 21 July 2026

Definition of violation

Noun

Widow’s Bay landed 19 nominations including for stars Matthew Rhys, Kate O’Flynn, in her incredible turn as eccentric assistant Patricia, Dale Dickey, for her chain-smoking sarcasm as Rosemary, and Stephen Root for his obstinate Wyck Crawford.

— Peter White, Deadline, 8 July 2026
Bluth family at the show's center, while Howard narrated the action with plenty of sarcasm.

— Raechal Shewfelt, Entertainment Weekly, 29 June 2026

Definition of sarcasm

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offends

offense

offenses

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“Offense.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/offense. Accessed 25 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of offense

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