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

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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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as in outrage

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

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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

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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 Even with the Heat’s three newcomers Kyle Anderson, Davion Mitchell and Andrew Wiggins all available and playing Monday after last week’s Jimmy Butler trade, generating efficient offense continues to be an issue. —

Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 11 Feb. 2025 Of course, replacing Soto’s offense won’t be easy, if even possible. —

Gary Phillips, New York Daily News, 11 Feb. 2025 In the playoffs, the offense played at a high level as well on route to a Super Bowl win. —

Ryan Gaydos, Fox News, 10 Feb. 2025 Running the offense is senior guard Joaquin Pacheco, one of the most talented scorers, ballhandlers and playmakers in the Fort Worth-area. —

Charles Baggarly, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 10 Feb. 2025 See all Example Sentences for offense

Recent Examples of Synonyms for offense

Noun

The report, calling for review of a sentence after a person has served five years regardless of the original sentence or crime of conviction, is a blueprint for addressing the hyper-punitive sentencing of the past several decades.

— Steve Zeidman, New York Daily News, 11 Feb. 2025
Bove said the charges were disrupting the mayor’s ability to assist in President Trump’s crackdown on immigration and crime.

— Jake Offenhartz and Larry Neumeister, Los Angeles Times, 11 Feb. 2025