OFFENSE Synonyms: 202 Similar and Opposite Words

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

offense

noun

ə-ˈfen(t)s

variants or offence

Definition of offense

as in crime

a breaking of a moral or legal code wartime offenses that are crimes against all of humanity

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in insult

an act or expression showing scorn and usually intended to hurt another's feelings a diplomat never deliberately gives offense

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

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Synonym Chooser

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

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

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

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

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of offense Craig wasn’t supposed to be an upgrade over Hoover, but his decision-making and athleticism were supposed to help the offense be more efficient. — Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 7 Oct. 2026 The Gophers' defense overwhelmed Michigan's offense and quarterback Bryce Underwood Saturday. — CBS News, 7 Oct. 2026 Subsequent offenses are punishable up to $500 in fines and 36 to 48 hours of community service. — Sacbee.com, 7 Oct. 2026 The owner of the pharmacy was later convicted of racketeering and other offenses by a federal jury. — Alana Semuels, Time, 7 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for offense

Recent Examples of Synonyms for offense

Noun

At that point, Jesse had been dead for a decade, and Frank had been tried for crimes three times—in Missouri, then Alabama, and back to Missouri again.

— Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 2 Oct. 2026
Police said the vandalism was classified as a property crime rather than a hate offense, and the teen was released to his parents.

— Darrell Smith, Sacbee.com, 2 Oct. 2026

Definition of crime

Noun

However, further Houthi offensives have met stiffer resistance from the recuperated forces of the Presidential Leadership Council, depriving the group of another quick victory.

— Brady Knox, The Washington Examiner, 4 Oct. 2026
Observers say Saudi Arabia is gearing up for a ground offensive aimed at preventing the Houthis from consolidating their gains on the Red Sea coast and reversing the tide.

— Nabih Bulos, Los Angeles Times, 2 Oct. 2026

Definition of offensive

Noun

A lot of that is studying how dry bone, fresh bone, bone that is exposed to different types of forces will react to different types of insults.

— Jennifer Ouellette, ArsTechnica, 5 Oct. 2026
Still, Nintendo understands, more than most of its rivals, that family-friendly gaming doesn’t have to be an insult.

— Jordan Minor, PC Magazine, 5 Oct. 2026

Definition of insult

Noun

Republican lawmakers -- many of them in tough election contests where soaring fuel costs are driving voter anger -- praised the agreement.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 3 Oct. 2026
The defeat came amid protests sparked by an elderly woman’s eviction, and could deepen public anger and fuel speculation about early elections.

— Joseph Wilson, Los Angeles Times, 2 Oct. 2026

Definition of anger

Noun

Several Japanese nationals, including executives at top Japanese firms, were reportedly detained in August over alleged violations of dual-use goods export restrictions.

— Anniek Bao,Lim Hui Jie, CNBC, 5 Oct. 2026
Merz said Germany would take further steps to defend itself, including against Russia’s shadow fleet of tankers in the Baltic and North seas, airspace violations and drone attacks.

— Susie Blann, Chicago Tribune, 4 Oct. 2026

Definition of violation

Noun

In Congo, where the outbreak has spread to seven provinces, responders have faced attacks on health teams, misinformation about the virus, a failure by locals to report symptoms and rebel violence that has limited access to treatment centers.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 7 Oct. 2026
An inmate died in an apparent homicide Tuesday morning after an attack by another prisoner at California State Prison, Sacramento, state corrections officials said.

— Michael McGough, Sacbee.com, 7 Oct. 2026

Definition of attack

Noun

But when Emma never shows up to their meeting, Pao and Dante will have to go on an epic quest— filled with awkward moments, sarcasm, and somewhat reluctant friendships—to save their best friend.

— Kavya Dhillon, Parents, 19 Sep. 2026
His teammates see his personality, his ability to laugh at himself, his sarcasm, his dry wit.

— Colton Pouncy, New York Times, 11 Sep. 2026

Definition of sarcasm

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offends

offense

offenses

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“Offense.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/offense. Accessed 9 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of offense

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