offensive

1 of 2

adjective

of·​fen·​sive ə-ˈfen(t)-siv How to pronounce offensive (audio)
especially for sense 1
ˈä-ˌfen(t)- How to pronounce offensive (audio)
ˈȯ-
Synonyms of offensivenext
1
a
: making attack : aggressive
The bear made offensive movements.
b
: of, relating to, or designed for attack
offensive weapons
took offensive action
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
2
: giving painful or unpleasant sensations : nauseous, obnoxious
an offensive odor
3
: causing displeasure or resentment : rude or insulting
offensive remarks
offensively adverb
offensiveness noun

offensive

2 of 2

noun

1
: the act of an attacking party
2
: attack

Synonyms of offensive

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Adjective

Noun

See All Synonyms & Antonyms in Thesaurus

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Adjective
During the same possession, the 6-foot, 280-pound Harris — who also plays on the Trojans’ offensive line — flashed for a quarterback pressure, forcing an errant pass. — Michael Osipoff, Chicago Tribune, 29 Aug. 2026 However, for the rest of the game, Brianna Turner and Cheyenne Parker-Tyus are closer to centers; Turner has offensive limitations while Hammon doesn’t appear to trust Parker-Tyus’ defense. — Sabreena Merchant, New York Times, 28 Aug. 2026
Noun
Kurdish civilians as well as SDF fighters were pushed out of areas seized in the offensive, although some of the displaced have now begun to return. — Hogir Al Abdo, Los Angeles Times, 27 Aug. 2026 Washington has launched an economic offensive against Iran and Canada — the two countries one would normally not lump together. — Lim Hui Jie, CNBC, 26 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for offensive

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

borrowed from Middle French & Medieval Latin; Middle French offensif, borrowed from Medieval Latin offensīvus "used for attacking, causing injury," from Latin offensus, past participle of offendere "to strike against, break a rule, offend" + -īvus -ive

Noun

derivative of offensive entry 1

First Known Use

Adjective

circa 1564, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Noun

1687, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of offensive was circa 1564

Phrases Containing offensive

Rhymes for offensive

See All Rhymes for offensive

Browse Nearby Words

offensible
offensive
offensively
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Offensive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/offensive. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

offensive

1 of 2 adjective
of·​fen·​sive ə-ˈfen(t)-siv How to pronounce offensive (audio)
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 noun
1
: the state or attitude of one who is making an attack
on the offensive
2
: attack entry 2 sense 1

Legal Definition

offensive

adjective
of·​fen·​sive ə-ˈfen-siv How to pronounce offensive (audio)
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
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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