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.

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

From The Wall Street Journal • May 27, 2026

The two brothers appeared in court on Wednesday to face charges of using a carriage service to harass or offend.

From BBC • May 21, 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

"I didn't mean to offend anyone," he said, seeming shy and uncomfortable with the media attention the project has generated.

From Barron's • Apr. 21, 2026

But when you disarm them you begin to offend them.

From "The Prince" by Niccolò Machiavelli

Vocabulary lists containing offend

The Watsons Go to Birmingham

Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!

"Still I Rise" by Maya Angelou

Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!

100 SAT words Beginning with "O"

Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!