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

Vaughan denied the charges, insisting that she did not intend to be offensive to her opponent or to challenge their chosen identity, but wanted to understand if the rules were being followed.

From BBC • May 10, 2025

Why would a striking Van Gogh landscape, “Field of Poppies,” be offensive?

From Los Angeles Times • May 7, 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

I haven't the least wish to be offensive.

From Plays: Lady Frederick, The Explorer, A Man of Honor by Maugham, W. Somerset (William Somerset)