variants
or offence
1
as in crime
a breaking of a moral or legal code
wartime offenses that are crimes against all of humanity
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in insult
an act or expression showing scorn and usually intended to hurt another's feelings
a diplomat never deliberately gives offense
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
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Recent Examples of offense
Defense to offense was the theme.
—
C.j. Holmes, New York Daily News, 30 Jan. 2026
Coaches, who vote for the reserves, also likely spend more time thinking about how to stop Ingram than Barnes, since the former is the highest-usage player and leading scorer on the Raptors and the key to their half-court offense.
—The Athletic Nba Staff, New York Times, 30 Jan. 2026
Høiby was charged last August with 32 offences; this week, the public prosecutor’s office added six more.
—Harriet Marsden, TheWeek, 30 Jan. 2026
For example, a first offense in some cities may range from $40 to $50.
—Marley Malenfant, Austin American Statesman, 30 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for offense
C.j. Holmes, New York Daily News, 30 Jan. 2026
Coaches, who vote for the reserves, also likely spend more time thinking about how to stop Ingram than Barnes, since the former is the highest-usage player and leading scorer on the Raptors and the key to their half-court offense.
—The Athletic Nba Staff, New York Times, 30 Jan. 2026
Høiby was charged last August with 32 offences; this week, the public prosecutor’s office added six more.
—Harriet Marsden, TheWeek, 30 Jan. 2026
For example, a first offense in some cities may range from $40 to $50.
—Marley Malenfant, Austin American Statesman, 30 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for offense
Recent Examples of Synonyms for offense
Noun
-
In order to charge Mangione with the federal charge of murder through use of a firearm, prosecutors need an underlying crime of violence.—
Michael Ruiz,
FOXNews.com,
30 Jan. 2026
-
Hugues Beaulieu said that the killings on Wednesday night appear to be linked to organized crime and there is no active shooter in the community.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
30 Jan. 2026
Noun
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Israel’s offensive has killed more than 71,400 Palestinians since 2023, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry — with more than 480 Palestinians killed by Israeli fire since the latest ceasefire began.—
Julia Frankel,
Chicago Tribune,
26 Jan. 2026
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Israel’s offensive has killed at least 71,660 Palestinians since 2023, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry — with more than 480 Palestinians killed by Israeli fire since the latest ceasefire began.—
Julia Frankel,
Los Angeles Times,
26 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Apparently, my father approached the people hurling the insults and asked them to stop.—
Scott Thompson,
FOXNews.com,
29 Jan. 2026
-
The president also called Walz and Frey himself Monday after weeks of hurling insults and accusing the Democratic officials of inciting resistance to the crackdown.—
Dave Goldiner,
New York Daily News,
27 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
In metro Phoenix, people are speaking out against Immigration and Customs Enforcement actions — in anger, in defiance, in frustration and fear.—
Arizona Republic,
AZCentral.com,
30 Jan. 2026
-
Inevitably, Big Ant soon comes crashing back down to Earth and the swirl of anger and sorrow that await him there; inevitably, Lil Ant and Lozita are forced to face his unhappiness, and figure out how to react.—
Angie Han,
HollywoodReporter,
30 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
The 20-month sentence imposed on Kim was a surprise after independent counsel Min Joong-ki called for a 15-year prison term on three charges, including stock price manipulation, political funding law violations and accepting bribes.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
29 Jan. 2026
-
Government entities that fail to clearly designate facilities as either male or female could face a $25,000 fine for a first violation and a $125,000 fine for subsequent violations.—
Matthew Kelly,
Kansas City Star,
29 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
His June assault on Iran’s nuclear facilities had two carrier groups in the region, more there as a counter-weight to any Iranian reprisals than to be directly involved in the attack.—
Nick Paton Walsh,
CNN Money,
31 Jan. 2026
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Senegal -- The Islamic State extremist group claimed responsibility on Friday for an attack on an air force base in Niger's capital that wounded four soldiers and damaged an aircraft.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
31 Jan. 2026
Noun
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He’s aided by Jessica Jones, who uses her super strength (and sarcasm) to beat up Kingpin’s goons.—
Jordan Moreau,
Variety,
27 Jan. 2026
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Whereas Boyd was plain-spoken on purpose, Wheeler’s diction was always elevated and precise, with a hint of sarcasm.—
Nell Freudenberger,
Harpers Magazine,
27 Jan. 2026
Noun
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As much as Payton bristles about media storylines and huffs about tempo questions, the Broncos went 25 minutes without a first down against Las Vegas.—
Troy Renck,
Denver Post,
22 Nov. 2025
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After 36 minutes of cagey huff-and-puff, Arsenal’s clean-sheet record was spoiled again in game nine of their run, though, as in 1903, their undefeatedness in that stretch was to remain intact.—
Michael Walker,
New York Times,
10 Nov. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Offense.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/offense. Accessed 2 Feb. 2026.
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