Definitions

offend

[uh-fend] / əˈfɛnd /

VERB

displease, insult

Synonyms

STRONGEST

aggrieve anger annoy antagonize disgust disturb exasperate gall horrify hurt irritate outrage provoke rile shock sicken sting upset

STRONG

affront disgruntle disoblige distress fret jar miff nauseate nettle pain pique repel repulse sin slight slur snub transgress trespass vex wound

WEAK

be disagreeable turn one off zing

Antonyms

STRONGEST

aid assist assuage calm comfort cure delight heal help make happy order placate please quiet soothe

STRONG

agree appease attract behave compliment flatter mollify obey praise

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Describing himself as a Catholic from the impoverished aristocracy and an entrepreneur, he says it would offend against both his ethics and his business sense to exclude people from the banquets.

From BBC • Jun. 6, 2026

It’s usually a warning sign when a religious declaration fails to offend elite opinion.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 27, 2026

Yet the majority treats Louisiana’s mapmaking choices that offend Section 2 as if they arrived unmarked by history.

From Slate • May 8, 2026

McVay took pains to remind that the Rams are Stafford’s team, seemingly to not offend the Rams’ most important player.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 24, 2026

I’m on shaky ground here, because, considering the volatile nature of our society, if I get it wrong, I’m likely to offend.

From "Dry" by Neal Shusterman and Jarrod Shusterman

Vocabulary lists containing offend

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