of·fen·sive
ə-ˈfen(t)-siv 
especially for sense 1
ˈä-ˌfen(t)-
ˈȯ-
1
a
: making attack : aggressive
The bear made offensive movements.
b
: of, relating to, or designed for attack
offensive weapons
c
: of or relating to an attempt to score in a game or contest
offensive maneuvers
also
: of or relating to a team in possession of the ball or puck
offensive linemen
3
: causing displeasure or resentment
offensive remarks
offensively
adverb
offensiveness
noun
Synonyms
Adjective
- abhorrent
- abominable
- appalling
- awful
- disgusting
- distasteful
- dreadful
- evil
- foul
- fulsome
- gross
- hideous
- horrendous
- horrible
- horrid
- loathsome
- nasty
- nauseating
- nauseous
- noisome
- noxious
- obnoxious
- obscene
- odious
- rancid
- repellent
- repellant
- repugnant
- repulsive
- revolting
- scandalous
- shocking
- sickening
- ugly
Noun
Examples of offensive in a Sentence
Adjective
He made some offensive remarks.
An offensive odor was coming from the basement.
Noun
the primary offensive by the ground forces will commence at dawn tomorrow
Recent Examples on the Web
Jack Magruder, Forbes, 27 Nov. 2024
Pause the conversation so the group can discuss the implicit meaning of the offensive word or phrase.
—Julie Garel, Baltimore Sun, 27 Nov. 2024
Freddie Clayton, NBC News, 11 Nov. 2024
Israel’s retaliatory offensive has killed over 43,000 Palestinians, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry, which does not distinguish between civilians and combatants in its toll but says over half of those killed were women and children.
—Wafaa Shurafa and Samy Magdy, Los Angeles Times, 5 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for offensive 
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
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Adjective
The Lions lead the league in scoring (32.7 points per game) and are second in total offense behind an offensive line that is considered the best in the league.
—Jack Magruder, Forbes, 27 Nov. 2024
Pause the conversation so the group can discuss the implicit meaning of the offensive word or phrase.
—Julie Garel, Baltimore Sun, 27 Nov. 2024
Noun
As Russia continues its offensive, Ukraine is also reckoning with a shifting political landscape after its biggest backer elected a new president.
—Freddie Clayton, NBC News, 11 Nov. 2024
Israel’s retaliatory offensive has killed over 43,000 Palestinians, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry, which does not distinguish between civilians and combatants in its toll but says over half of those killed were women and children.
—Wafaa Shurafa and Samy Magdy, Los Angeles Times, 5 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for offensive
Dictionary Entries Near offensive
Cite this Entry
“Offensive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/offensive. Accessed 1 Dec. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
offensive
1 of 2 adjective
of·fen·sive
ə-ˈfen(t)-siv
1
a
: relating to or made or suited for attack
offensive weapons
b
: of or relating to the attempt to score in a game or contest
the offensive team
2
: causing painful or unpleasant sensations
an offensive smell
3
: causing displeasure or resentment
an offensive remark
offensively
adverb
offensiveness
noun
offensive
2 of 2 noun1
: the state or attitude of one who is making an attack
on the offensive
Legal Definition
offensive
adjective
of·fen·sive
ə-ˈfen-siv
1
: of, relating to, or designed for attack
offensive weapons
2
: causing displeasure or resentment
especially
: contrary to a particular or prevailing sense of what is decent, proper, or moral
depicted sexual acts in a patently offensive way
see also obscene
offensively
adverb
offensiveness
noun
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