take offense

phrase

: to become angry or upset by something that another person has said or done : to be offended by something
He took offense when I suggested exchanging the gift.
—often + at
She takes offense at any criticism.

Examples of take offense in a Sentence

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.
During a game Wednesday, the Blue Jays seemed to take offense to the leeway after George Springer approached the home plate umpire to chat about it. — Chris Branch, New York Times, 10 Apr. 2026 The West Wing star is the latest to join the chorus of people, TV shows, and theaters to take offense to Timothée Chalamet's recent diss of ballet and opera. — Derek Lawrence, Entertainment Weekly, 10 Mar. 2026 If some people think that sounds boring, Diggins doesn’t take offense. — Dane Mizutani, Twin Cities, 14 Feb. 2026 Don’t be quick to take offense, because misunderstandings are rife. — Georgia Nicols, Denver Post, 2 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for take offense

Rhymes for take offense

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Browse Nearby Words

take off after
take offense
take off the air
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Take offense.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/take%20offense. Accessed 5 Aug. 2026.

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