Thesaurus

offense

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

noun

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variants: or offence

Synonyms & Antonyms of offense

1 a breaking of a moral or legal code

wartime offenses that are crimes against all of humanity

Synonyms for offense

Words Related to offense

break,
infringement

Near Antonyms for offense

Antonyms for offense

noncrime

2 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 for offense

Words Related to offense

ambuscade,
ambush

sally,
sortie

siege,
storm

whammy

Near Antonyms for offense

3 an act or expression showing scorn and usually intended to hurt another's feelings

a diplomat never deliberately gives offense

Synonyms for offense

Words Related to offense

torment,
torture

Near Antonyms for offense

adulation,
flattery

4 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 for offense

Words Related to offense

dander,
temper

Near Antonyms for offense

satisfaction

Frequently Asked Questions About offense

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