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
Hansen Yang: One of the most underrated bigs in this class, Yang plays a modern style and has incredible skill on the offensive end.
—
Nick Crain, Forbes.com, 25 June 2025
That essentially eliminates players on the offensive and defensive lines, as well as running backs, from really standing out.
—Saad Yousuf, New York Times, 19 June 2025
The injury was believed to have occurred while driving to the basket in the first quarter, which could explain Haliburton’s oddly silent night on the offensive end.
—Scott Thompson, FOXNews.com, 17 June 2025
While the combination of Paige Bueckers and Arike Ogunbowale has been electric on the offensive end, defense has been a significant issue for the Wings.
—Kilty Cleary, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 June 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.
Nick Crain, Forbes.com, 25 June 2025
That essentially eliminates players on the offensive and defensive lines, as well as running backs, from really standing out.
—Saad Yousuf, New York Times, 19 June 2025
The injury was believed to have occurred while driving to the basket in the first quarter, which could explain Haliburton’s oddly silent night on the offensive end.
—Scott Thompson, FOXNews.com, 17 June 2025
While the combination of Paige Bueckers and Arike Ogunbowale has been electric on the offensive end, defense has been a significant issue for the Wings.
—Kilty Cleary, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 June 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 12 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share