on the offensive
idiom
: in or into a situation or position in which one attacks or fights against someone or something
The soldiers are on the offensive.
She went on the offensive to fight the charges against her.
Examples of on the offensive in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
But the junior is also adept on the offensive end, averaging 19.7 points per game, behind only Watkins in the Big Ten.
—
Brendan Le, People.com, 5 Mar. 2025
The Danville program dominated on the offensive glass and stonewalled the Dons’ usually-potent attack.
—Joseph Dycus, The Mercury News, 3 Mar. 2025
Chicago has a lot of holes to fill on the roster, especially on the offensive line.
—Tom Rogers, Newsweek, 22 Feb. 2025
The first half was particularly tough on the offensive end.
—Kennington Smith Iii, The Athletic, 15 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for on the offensive
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.
Brendan Le, People.com, 5 Mar. 2025
The Danville program dominated on the offensive glass and stonewalled the Dons’ usually-potent attack.
—Joseph Dycus, The Mercury News, 3 Mar. 2025
Chicago has a lot of holes to fill on the roster, especially on the offensive line.
—Tom Rogers, Newsweek, 22 Feb. 2025
The first half was particularly tough on the offensive end.
—Kennington Smith Iii, The Athletic, 15 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for on the offensive
Cite this Entry
“On the offensive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/on%20the%20offensive. Accessed 10 Mar. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share