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offensive

[uh-fen-siv, aw-fen-, of-en-] / əˈfɛn sɪv, ˈɔ fɛn-, ˈɒf ɛn- /




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.

Once on the offensive, in most places across Myanmar the resistance is now on the defensive.

From BBC • Jun. 9, 2026

The play comes in the wake of a broader debate surrounding Dahl's work, which was revised by his publisher in 2023 to remove terms deemed offensive.

From Barron's • Jun. 8, 2026

The New York Knicks hold a 2-0 NBA Finals lead, using a “five-out” offensive strategy to neutralize Victor Wembanyama.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 7, 2026

But the BBC saw no behaviour and heard no language that could be construed as offensive.

From BBC • Jun. 6, 2026

Not only did he miss the opportunity to disown the offensive characterization of Burr; he raised the rhetorical stakes with his dismissive tone and gratuitously defiant counterthreat.

From "Founding Brothers: The Revolutionary Generation" by Joseph J. Ellis




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