as in criminal
a person who has committed a crime
juvenile offenders have their criminal records sealed when they turn 18
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Recent Examples of offender
Despite the wholesale change in how California sentences juvenile offenders, outrage over the crime has not faded.
—
Kelly Davis, San Diego Union-Tribune, 8 Feb. 2026
In 2024, the Associated Press reported that inmates at a Virginia facility that predominantly holds mentally ill offenders were hospitalized for hypothermia at least 13 times over the course of three years.
—N'dea Yancey-Bragg, USA Today, 8 Feb. 2026
Without permission, offenders could be cited for crossing over the double solid white lines.
—Jim Radcliffe, Oc Register, 6 Feb. 2026
During a Charlotte City Council safety committee meeting Thursday, city staff recommended expanding vending regulations citywide and adding harsher penalties for offenders.
—Charlotte Observer, 5 Feb. 2026
First-time offenders can face a $500 fine, up to 30 days in jail or both.
—Ana Maria Soler, CBS News, 5 Feb. 2026
At the time, Cooper’s administration emphasized that the releases would focus on non-violent offenders, though officials later acknowledged that individuals convicted of violent crimes were also included.
—Stepheny Price, FOXNews.com, 4 Feb. 2026
Authorities explained in the release that an early investigation revealed that two male offenders were trying to break into a vehicle parked on the block.
—Pioneer Press, Chicago Tribune, 3 Feb. 2026
The committee voted to fully fund payments to jails, which have housed some offenders as a backup, and for medical payments.
—The Denver Post, Denver Post, 31 Jan. 2026
Kelly Davis, San Diego Union-Tribune, 8 Feb. 2026
In 2024, the Associated Press reported that inmates at a Virginia facility that predominantly holds mentally ill offenders were hospitalized for hypothermia at least 13 times over the course of three years.
—N'dea Yancey-Bragg, USA Today, 8 Feb. 2026
Without permission, offenders could be cited for crossing over the double solid white lines.
—Jim Radcliffe, Oc Register, 6 Feb. 2026
During a Charlotte City Council safety committee meeting Thursday, city staff recommended expanding vending regulations citywide and adding harsher penalties for offenders.
—Charlotte Observer, 5 Feb. 2026
First-time offenders can face a $500 fine, up to 30 days in jail or both.
—Ana Maria Soler, CBS News, 5 Feb. 2026
At the time, Cooper’s administration emphasized that the releases would focus on non-violent offenders, though officials later acknowledged that individuals convicted of violent crimes were also included.
—Stepheny Price, FOXNews.com, 4 Feb. 2026
Authorities explained in the release that an early investigation revealed that two male offenders were trying to break into a vehicle parked on the block.
—Pioneer Press, Chicago Tribune, 3 Feb. 2026
The committee voted to fully fund payments to jails, which have housed some offenders as a backup, and for medical payments.
—The Denver Post, Denver Post, 31 Jan. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for offender
Noun
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There’s no word on ICE having a special decoder ring that tracks only the criminals.—
Tressie McMillan Cottom,
Mercury News,
7 Feb. 2026
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Houser said that because the majority of Americans support removing serious criminals, the White House muddies the waters in an effort to maintain support for mass deportations.—
Trevor Hughes,
USA Today,
7 Feb. 2026
Noun
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If guys aren’t going to hold themselves to certain competitive standards, Gobert suggested, Wolves coach Chris Finch should start benching the culprits.—
Jace Frederick,
Twin Cities,
7 Feb. 2026
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Historically, it's been thought these volcanic arcs were the primary culprits of injecting carbon dioxide into the atmosphere.—
Ben Mather,
Space.com,
7 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Offender.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/offender. Accessed 12 Feb. 2026.
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