In English, there are many synonyms that can be used instead of "be offended by" which means feeling upset or insulted by what someone has said or done. Some common alternatives include being insulted, hurt, slighted, disrespected, aggrieved, vexed, irritated, angered, or affronted. Other phrases such as feeling affronted or taking umbrage at something can also be used to express this sentiment. Similarly, you can describe feeling taken aback, insulted, or irked by someone's actions as well. Understanding all these synonyms can help one express their emotions more effectively as per the context.