be offensive
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.
There was also the news that council districts in Northern England had instructed schoolteachers not to encourage children in classrooms to draw any pictures that might be offensive to Muslims.
From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 16, 2026
“Secretary Becerra never knew this word to be offensive and certainly he meant no disrespect to anyone,” said a campaign spokesperson.
From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 29, 2026
The Booker-winning novelist has previously expressed his opposition to "sensitivity readers", the practice of hiring someone to read a manuscript before its publication in order to point out things that might be offensive to readers.
From BBC • Sep. 8, 2025
Spectrum WT sued, arguing that drag wasn’t designed to be offensive and portraying it as a celebration of many things, including “queerness, gender, acceptance, love and especially femininity.”
From Seattle Times • Mar. 15, 2024
You know, I don't want to be offensive, but I think it would be a pity myself.
From Plays: Lady Frederick, The Explorer, A Man of Honor by Maugham, W. Somerset (William Somerset)
