1
as in disgusting
causing intense displeasure, disgust, or resentment
I find your disrespectful attitude toward religion very offensive the smell of rotting food is quite offensive
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in obnoxious
provoking or likely to provoke protest
insensitive, offensive remarks about the plight of the homeless
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in attack
the act or action of setting upon with force or violence
the primary offensive by the ground forces will commence at dawn tomorrow
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of offensive
Shaun Goodwin, Idaho Statesman, 8 Jan. 2026
Brown said shot distribution isn’t the biggest indicator of his offensive efficiency.
—Kristian Winfield, New York Daily News, 8 Jan. 2026
CNN Money, 28 Dec. 2025
Texas State football offensive lineman Brock Riker has entered the transfer portal, a source confirmed Sunday night to the American-Statesman.
—Caleb Yum, Austin American Statesman, 28 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for offensive
Adjective
But then the Broncos’ offensive woes crept back to the forefront.
—Noun
The country has experienced several waves of sectarian clashes since the fall of former President Bashar Assad in a lightning rebel offensive in December 2024 that brought to an end nearly 14 years of civil war.
—Recent Examples of Synonyms for offensive
Adjective
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The medical ordeals are traumatic and disgusting, but fascinating and full of the quirks of modern life.—
-
Having snow, slush, and (eventually) water all over my floors was a disgusting feeling.—
Adjective
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So how will Stevie, who shares a bedroom with her obnoxious little brother, Elliot (Elias Janssen), keep the family together?—
-
Various new characters join in on the fun, including Chris Elliott’s Riff Raff-style butler and Tori Spelling’s obnoxious try-hard friend, Alex.—
Noun
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Good's defenders – including city and state leaders – are calling what happened an unjustified attack; federal authorities say the agent was acting in self-defense.—
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In Kyiv, a CNN reporter said that the attack began around midnight, starting with multiple drone strikes on residential buildings.—
Adjective
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Not because the moms themselves are toxic people, but because the dynamic shifts into an ugly place with mean-girl behavior.—
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Sure, coach Mike Tomlin's teams tend to win ugly games, but not in the playoffs — at least not lately.—
Adjective
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To make large profits from parking fees to make up for his terrible management of tax dollars and his expensive real estate errors should be unacceptable.—
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In just 24 hours, the president unveiled three massive state interventions into different markets that might’ve once looked—and sounded—like unacceptable levels of socialist dirigisme for a Republican to champion.—
Noun
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Gatica was tracked down, arrested on charges of DUI and related offenses, and booked into the Orange County Jail.—
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The Tigers’ offense, which has scored at least 88 points in all three games, erupted for a season-best showing.—
Adjective
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The Hoosiers, of course, are the prime example of a longtime awful football program rising to the top.—
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Mamdani hasn’t had time yet to flesh out his awful, socialist ideas into real policies that adversely affect New Yorkers.—
Adjective
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That Alabama didn’t drop a spot in the rankings after being drubbed by Georgia in the SEC championship was objectionable.—
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The institution is politically objectionable, of course, and intellectually bankrupt.—
Cite this Entry
“Offensive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/offensive. Accessed 12 Jan. 2026.
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