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 next

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

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

as in outrage

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

as in resentment

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

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

Examples of offense in a Sentence

These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Recent Examples on the Web The team acquired him from San Francisco in a mid-season desperation move, just beating the trade deadline, after a plethora of injuries plunged the offense into a deep funk. —

Dan Schlossberg, Forbes, 1 Nov. 2024 The Chargers rookie right tackle will match up with another premier NFL edge rusher Sunday in Cleveland’s Huntington Bank Field (10 a.m. PST, CBS) as the offense tries to maintain its recent progress. —

Thuc Nhi Nguyen, Los Angeles Times, 1 Nov. 2024 Clark first emerged as a standout in UTSA’s offense with 52 catches for 755 yards and seven touchdowns in 2021. —

Greg Luca, San Antonio Express-News, 21 Oct. 2024 Edman supplied the early offense, answering an RBI infield single from Pete Alonso in the top of the first with a two-run double in the bottom of the inning. —

Jack Harris, Los Angeles Times, 21 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for offense

Recent Examples of Synonyms for offense

Noun

Tren de Aragua is best known for petty crimes, such as retail theft, and for targeting other Venezuelan migrants.

Ignacio Calderon, USA TODAY, 1 Nov. 2024
State law allows for children as young as 10 to be charged as adults for certain serious crimes, at least to start the case.

Chris Ramirez, Journal Sentinel, 1 Nov. 2024