1
as in falls
to commit an offense
since this is the first time you've offended, we'll let you off lightly
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in insults
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 & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in violates
to fail to keep
offended conventional standards of uniformity by not adhering to the company dress code
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of offends
If that language offends you — come on.
—
Ryan Coleman, Entertainment Weekly, 11 Jan. 2026
If one employee offends another, they are fired on the spot.
—Nick Vivarelli, Variety, 8 Jan. 2026
To admit what hurts, agitates, and offends us in fact illuminates what is complicated and good in us.
—Literary Hub, 10 Dec. 2025
The Intel case offends two basic economic truths.
—Veronique De Rugy, Oc Register, 23 Oct. 2025
Think of the chatbots that enrage customers, copy that erases brand voice, email that offends prospects, or sales outreach that overwhelms without engaging.
—Andrea Hill, Forbes.com, 21 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for offends
Verb
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So Nude pair falls neatly in line — proof that even in full-metal glamour, minimalism with an edge is having a very good year.—
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Sabrina Carpenter’s chart-topping Man’s Best Friend slips 5-6 on the latest Billboard 200 with 38,000 equivalent album units earned (down 8%), while Olivia Dean’s The Art of Loving falls 6-7 (37,000, down 3%).—
Verb
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The paddling comes as revenge for multiple times Marty insults the businessman throughout the movie.—
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Basil, of course, is far from perfect, a rude, neurotic, accident-prone manager who insults guests, hides his gambling winnings from his wife and organizes an elaborate impersonation of her when his surprise anniversary party backfires.—
Verb
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The lawsuit alleges the freeze is based on unsupported allegations of social services fraud and violates Congress’ spending power.—
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The association has argued that Measure ULA violates both the state’s constitution and the Los Angeles City Charter.—
Verb
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Content that outrages, polarizes or triggers anxiety keeps us watching.—
Verb
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Where is that strange, clueless child who wanders from cause to cause, Greta Thunberg?—
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Matt, the dad, wanders off to the kitchen.—
Verb
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Cue the rattling of sabers and gnashing of teeth — until a deal is done that pleases (and displeases) both parties.—
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But the corporate chiefs also know that Trump is a vengeful man with the power to target anyone who speaks out against him, or any business that displeases him.—
Verb
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John DeWitt, the four-star general who oversaw the internment program, in particular, seems to be a forerunner to some of America's worst errors, paranoia, sins.—
Verb
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The best time to trim leggy or strays stems, shoots, vines, and branches is during the plant’s growing season.—
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Merciless, vile, and downright sadistic, The Rite delivers stunning entertainment that strays away from depending on shadows and eerie atmospheres.—
Cite this Entry
“Offends.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/offends. Accessed 13 Jan. 2026.
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