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.
“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
He said that if he and his team had felt the campaign would be offensive in that way, “we never would’ve done it.”
From The Wall Street Journal • Sep. 30, 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
"A few participants said they found it funny but seemed embarrassed to say this and could recognise why it would be offensive," the media regulator's report said.
From BBC • Oct. 31, 2023
As a kind of dessert they drew on their small supply of congealed seal-oil, so rancid as to be offensive.
From True Tales of Arctic Heroism in the New World by Greely, Adolphus W.
