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.

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

From Slate • May 8, 2026

Not to offend our Lone Star friends, but so far this is all hat and no cattle.

From Barron's • May 1, 2026

He didn’t offend anyone except those who wanted to be entertained.

From Salon • Apr. 24, 2026

He doesn’t mean to offend, though other people’s feelings are a luxury he has never been able to afford.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 27, 2026

“Your mother made me leave,” Babulya grumbled, “so I wouldn’t offend him. I got some herbs in the meantime. Come here and taste this.”

From Anya and the Dragon by Sofiya Pasternack

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!