Thesaurus

offend

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

verb

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Synonyms & Antonyms of offend

1 to commit an offense

since this is the first time you've offended, we'll let you off lightly

Synonyms for offend

Words Related to offend

mess up

Phrases Synonymous with offend

Near Antonyms for offend

2 to cause hurt feelings or deep resentment in

the visitor unintentionally offended his hosts terribly by failing to compliment them on the elaborately prepared meal

Synonyms for offend

Words Related to offend

cut,
snub

Near Antonyms for offend

3 to fail to keep

offended conventional standards of uniformity by not adhering to the company dress code

Synonyms for offend

Words Related to offend

Near Antonyms for offend

Antonyms for offend

Frequently Asked Questions About offend

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

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