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
Following All-Pro Zack Martin’s retirement this offseason, the Dallas Cowboys will need more leadership from veterans on the offensive line, namely Terrence Steele and Tyler Smith.
—
Lawrence Dow, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 23 Apr. 2025
Whether that’s on the defensive line, in the secondary, elsewhere on the offensive line or at running back or tight end, there’s space for an upgrade.
—Brad Biggs, Chicago Tribune, 22 Apr. 2025
With the loss of players such as Terron Armstead, the Dolphins need to hit on the offensive line.
—C. Isaiah Smalls Ii, Miami Herald, 18 Apr. 2025
However, this year’s draft class at the tight end position is one of the deepest and strongest units on the offensive side of the ball.
—Antwan Staley, New York Daily News, 12 Apr. 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.
Lawrence Dow, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 23 Apr. 2025
Whether that’s on the defensive line, in the secondary, elsewhere on the offensive line or at running back or tight end, there’s space for an upgrade.
—Brad Biggs, Chicago Tribune, 22 Apr. 2025
With the loss of players such as Terron Armstead, the Dolphins need to hit on the offensive line.
—C. Isaiah Smalls Ii, Miami Herald, 18 Apr. 2025
However, this year’s draft class at the tight end position is one of the deepest and strongest units on the offensive side of the ball.
—Antwan Staley, New York Daily News, 12 Apr. 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 1 May. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share