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
Bridges is a versatile wing who has proven capable of shouldering larger offensive responsibilities in the past, but, like all others in New York, is being asked to sacrifice, primarily on the offensive end, for the greater good of the team.
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Kristian Winfield, Hartford Courant, 1 Mar. 2026
None of the three forced anything on the offensive end.
—Dan Rios, Daily News, 1 Mar. 2026
Fortunately for Miami, its defense performed well and kept the Eagles from making anything happen on the offensive end of the floor.
—Adam Lichtenstein, Sun Sentinel, 28 Feb. 2026
Orlando had success on the offensive glass, outrebounding Houston 15-10 on that end of the floor.
—Jason Beede, The Orlando Sentinel, 27 Feb. 2026
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Kristian Winfield, Hartford Courant, 1 Mar. 2026
None of the three forced anything on the offensive end.
—Dan Rios, Daily News, 1 Mar. 2026
Fortunately for Miami, its defense performed well and kept the Eagles from making anything happen on the offensive end of the floor.
—Adam Lichtenstein, Sun Sentinel, 28 Feb. 2026
Orlando had success on the offensive glass, outrebounding Houston 15-10 on that end of the floor.
—Jason Beede, The Orlando Sentinel, 27 Feb. 2026
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 3 Mar. 2026.
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