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
That especially goes for the contact-craving dudes on the offensive line, defensive line, running back, linebacker and safety.
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Cam Inman, The Mercury News, 7 June 2024
Or in Baltimore’s case, multiple needs after a free agent exodus of a dozen players this offseason along with other moves that left gaps all over the roster, particularly on the offensive line, where there will be at least three new starters in 2024.
—Brian Wacker, Baltimore Sun, 29 Apr. 2024
In a game dominated by defense, the Shamrocks had the one player who found his groove on the offensive end.
—Rich Barak, The Courier-Journal, 9 Mar. 2024
Despite its vast economic and military resources, Russia has not been truly on the offensive since the early summer of 2022.
—Liana Fix, Foreign Affairs, 28 Nov. 2023
See all Example Sentences for on the offensive 
Cam Inman, The Mercury News, 7 June 2024
Or in Baltimore’s case, multiple needs after a free agent exodus of a dozen players this offseason along with other moves that left gaps all over the roster, particularly on the offensive line, where there will be at least three new starters in 2024.
—Brian Wacker, Baltimore Sun, 29 Apr. 2024
In a game dominated by defense, the Shamrocks had the one player who found his groove on the offensive end.
—Rich Barak, The Courier-Journal, 9 Mar. 2024
Despite its vast economic and military resources, Russia has not been truly on the offensive since the early summer of 2022.
—Liana Fix, Foreign Affairs, 28 Nov. 2023
See all Example Sentences for on the offensive
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'on the offensive.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near on the offensive
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“On the offensive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/on%20the%20offensive. Accessed 17 Jun. 2024.
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