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
Ioane played every position on offense except quarterback, running back and wide receiver as a sophomore, including all five spots on the offensive line, fullback and 14 snaps at tight end.
—
Eddie Brown, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 Nov. 2025
This will be tough to deal with on the offensive side of the ball.
—James Brizuela, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 Nov. 2025
The sophomore big man has taken a big leap on the offensive end.
—Shreyas Laddha, Kansas City Star, 24 Nov. 2025
New coaching on Vrabel’s staff, plus additions on the offensive line, could help elevate Lowe’s play while Campbell is out.
—Doug Kyed, Boston Herald, 24 Nov. 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.
Eddie Brown, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 Nov. 2025
This will be tough to deal with on the offensive side of the ball.
—James Brizuela, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 Nov. 2025
The sophomore big man has taken a big leap on the offensive end.
—Shreyas Laddha, Kansas City Star, 24 Nov. 2025
New coaching on Vrabel’s staff, plus additions on the offensive line, could help elevate Lowe’s play while Campbell is out.
—Doug Kyed, Boston Herald, 24 Nov. 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 30 Nov. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share