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Synonyms

take offense

Idioms  
  1. Feel resentment or emotional pain, as in I didn't realize he'd take offense when he wasn't invited. [Mid-1800s]


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.

Robert and I enjoy comparing notes, but we don’t take offense or try to read some deeper meaning into these episodes.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 23, 2025

Which would sort of make sense, if machines could actually take offense at anything.

From Slate • Aug. 31, 2025

She had only just started wearing jeans, she told me with a shy look, afraid that he would take offense to such a digression.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 7, 2025

But Green’s frustration subsided when he said on his podcast Monday that he saw the comments “through the right mindset, through the right lens” and decided not to take offense.

From Seattle Times • Jan. 9, 2024

“Think I take offense on behalf of my lucky hat,” Brian replies with a smoothness and coolness that drive spikes into my eardrums.

From "I'll Give You the Sun" by Jandy Nelson

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