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 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 In the two-minute offense, quarterback Baker Mayfield led a brilliant 71-yard touchdown drive, capped by a 1-yard scoring pass to Ryan Miller. —

Kevin Dotson, CNN, 5 Nov. 2024 When the Chargers’ offense stopped clicking in the second half, after building a 20-3 lead by halftime, their defense took over the game. —

Elliott Teaford, Orange County Register, 4 Nov. 2024 Kansas City’s offense has a league-high 49% rush success rate, and the ground game has a favorable matchup versus Tampa Bay’s defense surrendering 5.2 yards per rush (30th). —

Jay Ginsbach, Forbes, 4 Nov. 2024 And there's a lengthy list of unacceptable offenses that can get people ejected or even banned from venues. —

Felecia Wellington Radel, USA TODAY, 2 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for offense

Recent Examples of Synonyms for offense

Noun

Sign up to get crime news sent straight to your inbox each day.

Katie Langford, The Denver Post, 13 Nov. 2024
Despite having written a diverse range of books over the years, from a mediaeval crime story to a powerful tale about Alzheimer's, Harvey hasn't received much recognition.

Irenie Forshaw, The Week UK, theweek, 13 Nov. 2024