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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 Since the teen didn't have a criminal record, the state Department of Juvenile Services characterized the offenses as lower-level crimes and allowed him to be released, Hamill said. Louis Casiano, FOXNews.com, 30 May 2025 My last offense was more everybody get tagged on which routes. Jon MacHota, New York Times, 30 May 2025 Setter Aaron Wood runs an efficient and well-rounded offense while also being a force at the net in attacking and blocking. Tim Meehan, San Diego Union-Tribune, 30 May 2025 But after a scoreless first, Florida’s offense came to life. Adam Lichtenstein, Sun Sentinel, 19 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for offense
Recent Examples of Synonyms for offense
Noun
  • Former Arkansas state senator Jeremy Hutchinson, who pleaded guilty to crimes of bribery and tax fraud, including filing false federal income tax returns from 2011 to 2014.
    Howard Gleckman, Forbes.com, 30 May 2025
  • The season ends with Coop driving away from Jack’s house, rejecting the office life and doubling down on crime.
    Barry Levitt, Time, 30 May 2025
Noun
  • Israel launched an intensified offensive in Gaza on Sunday, ordering mass evacuations, stepping up airstrikes throughout the territory and killing hundreds of Palestinians, according to Gaza health officials.
    Daniel Estrin, NPR, 21 May 2025
  • Instead, Modi told the public that India’s military offensive had brought Pakistan to its knees to beg for a cease-fire.
    Vaibhav Vats, The Atlantic, 21 May 2025
Noun
  • In addition, a customer usually won’t know how much of the code was written using AI, so there won’t be any public outrage, as is the case with self-driving cars.
    Victor Erukhimov, Forbes.com, 23 May 2025
  • The killing ignited international outrage and massive protests during a pandemic that had already rocked the nation.
    Greg Braxton, Los Angeles Times, 23 May 2025
Noun
  • Old resentments simmer, new transgressions come to light, and the titular swimming pool plays a critical, climactic part.
    Gráinne O'Hara Belluomo, Footwear News, 26 May 2025
  • The relationship between writer and editor is fractious, tender, and ever-changing, with resentments and gratitude sloshing back and forth like a rooftop pool during an earthquake.
    Isle McElroy, Vulture, 21 May 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
  • They were quickly showered with boos and insults, along with various food items and beverages, including my mother’s large Pepsi.
    Leonard Greene, New York Daily News, 17 May 2025
  • Students understood the insult – and its historical sting.
    Simon Montlake, Christian Science Monitor, 16 May 2025
Noun
  • Down encourages readers to use their righteous anger toward rebuilding a fractured world.
    Shannon Carlin, Time, 22 May 2025
  • Told in the first person, the story explores a lot of the feelings that Helen experiences: frustration and anger and love for her friend.
    The New Yorker, New Yorker, 21 May 2025
Noun
  • But after the World Trade Center attacks on Sept. 11, 2001, the movie was retooled with a new finale before being released in theaters on June 21, 2002.
    Patrick Ryan, USA Today, 25 May 2025
  • The Pacers, behind an unrelenting uptempo attack and superior depth, have won the third and fourth quarters in both games, as well as overtime in Game 1.
    Peter Sblendorio, New York Daily News, 24 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Offense.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/offense. Accessed 4 Jun. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on offense

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