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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 Devers struck out his next three times up as the Red Sox offense sputtered again in Monday’s 8-5 loss to the Orioles. Mac Cerullo, Hartford Courant, 31 Mar. 2025 So if the offense is going to have success running the ball down defense’s throats in 2025, what will that look like? Shaun Goodwin, Idaho Statesman, 31 Mar. 2025 If the Lions decide to bolster their offense, NFL.com and PFF think the Lions will look for a guard. Jim Sergent, USA Today, 31 Mar. 2025 With the Lakers’ offense not consistently performing at the levels that are expected when Doncic, James and Reaves are at the helm, Redick met with his three best players on Saturday morning. Khobi Price, Oc Register, 30 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for offense
Recent Examples of Synonyms for offense
Noun
  • The Lost Hills Sheriff’s Station watch commander informed the Times no crime had taken place at the residence.
    Mackenzie Cummings-Grady, Billboard, 10 Apr. 2025
  • Based on the investigation so far, Arlington police believe the attack on Adeyemo-Azeez — by a man released on bond after a previous violent crime — was random.
    Harriet Ramos, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 9 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Israel's offensive has killed more than 50,000 Palestinians, including hundreds killed in strikes since a ceasefire ended about two weeks ago, according to Gaza's Health Ministry, which doesn't say whether those killed are civilians or combatants.
    Jason D. Greenblatt, MSNBC Newsweek, 2 Apr. 2025
  • Israel’s offensive has killed more than 50,000 Palestinians, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry, which doesn’t distinguish between civilians and combatants.
    Isaac Scharf and Wafaa Shurafa, Los Angeles Times, 2 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Video of the incident quickly circulated online and sparked outrage, with family members and neighbors questioning why police did not do more to de-escalate the situation or use non-lethal weapons.
    Christopher Cann, USA Today, 9 Apr. 2025
  • Italy has halted talks on a potential $1.5 billion deal for secure government communications amid outrage over threats to cut off Ukraine’s access to Starlink.
    Jeremy Bogaisky, Forbes.com, 9 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Without enough time to truly know each other’s habits, values and communication styles, small annoyances can snowball into deeper resentment.
    Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 31 Mar. 2025
  • Meanwhile, in their first Netflix series, Meghan expressed her resentment over that being the big takeaway from the Oprah interview instead of her mental health revelations.
    Stephanie Nolasco, FOXNews.com, 31 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • Beijing has also softened its regulatory assault on Chinese technology companies and the property sector.
    Jacky Wong, WSJ, 6 Feb. 2023
  • Zelenskyy has warned for weeks that Moscow aims to step up its assault after about two months of virtual stalemate along the front line that stretches across the south and east.
    Reuters, NBC News, 31 Jan. 2023
Noun
  • Recent White House comments and insults directed at NATO allies – as well as the military alliance itself – have raised alarm and confusion.
    Bradford Betz, FOXNews.com, 3 Apr. 2025
  • In a workplace that’s increasingly remote, fast-paced, independent and ever-changing, these aren’t insults.
    Nirit Cohen, Forbes.com, 3 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • During last year’s presidential campaign, a roadside billboard in Miami that drew comparisons between Trump and dictators like Fidel Castro drew anger from supporters of the president.
    David Catanese, Miami Herald, 4 Apr. 2025
  • Unlike Molly, who's politely reticent and reluctant to speak up for herself, Nikki can't resist expressing her anger and sorrow—or, more precisely, dramatizing them for whatever audience of oncologists happens to be in range.
    Dory Jackson, People.com, 4 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • There has been a big labor split, however, with carpenters and laborers unions going heavily for Moreno — and waging tough attacks against Aguirre.
    Michael Smolens, San Diego Union-Tribune, 6 Apr. 2025
  • On Friday, a Russian ballistic missile and drone attack on the city of Kryvyi Rih -- Zelenskyy's home town -- killed 19 people, including nine children.
    David Brennan, ABC News, 6 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Offense.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/offense. Accessed 15 Apr. 2025.

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