Synonyms for
Offence
Definition
a violation or breaking of a law, rule, or moral principle
Synonyms & similar words
criminaloffense
defence
lawbreaking
defense
criminaloffence
offense
offensive
umbrage
crime
offensiveactivity
discourtesy
violation
transgression
misdemeanor
crime
sin
wrongdoing
breach
infringement
trespass
misconduct
impropriety
indiscretion
infraction
wrong
fault
error
slip
blunder
oversight
mistake
Synonyms by register
Formal
Literary
Antonyms
Common collocations
- commit an offence
- minor offence
- serious offence
- take offence
- give offence
- cause offence
- offence is the best defence
Word family
Usage note
In American English, 'offense' is the standard spelling. 'Offence' is primarily used in British English and other Commonwealth countries. It can refer to a crime or a feeling of being insulted.
Example sentences
- The police officer charged the thief with offence.
- Cheating is an offence in school.
- Using someone else's work without giving credit is an offence.
- He was given a warning for his offence.
- The company had to pay a fine for their offence.
Quotes
The first offence deserves the greatest punishment, the second the least severe, the third the greatest again. - Marcus Tullius Cicero
The only offence that can be given by hypocrisy is that it claims excellence. - George Bernard Shaw
The best defence against the atom bomb is not to be there when it goes off. - Unknown