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
For one thing, further escalation in the Middle East would almost certainly divert Washington’s attention and supplies from Ukraine, where Russia is currently on the offensive.
—
Hanna Notte, Foreign Affairs, 15 July 2024
Biden and Trump both attempted to go on the offensive about the other’s record as president, although the night was short on policy specifics.
—Arpan Lobo, Detroit Free Press, 28 June 2024
Fashanu was Penn State’s first consensus All-American on the offensive line since 1995 (Jeff Hartings).
—The San Diego Union-Tribune, Hartford Courant, 25 Apr. 2024
But Ware started slow on the offensive end, beginning 1 of 8 from the field and 0 of 3 on threes.
—Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 7 July 2024
See all Example Sentences for on the offensive 
Hanna Notte, Foreign Affairs, 15 July 2024
Biden and Trump both attempted to go on the offensive about the other’s record as president, although the night was short on policy specifics.
—Arpan Lobo, Detroit Free Press, 28 June 2024
Fashanu was Penn State’s first consensus All-American on the offensive line since 1995 (Jeff Hartings).
—The San Diego Union-Tribune, Hartford Courant, 25 Apr. 2024
But Ware started slow on the offensive end, beginning 1 of 8 from the field and 0 of 3 on threes.
—Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 7 July 2024
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
Cite this Entry
“On the offensive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/on%20the%20offensive. Accessed 26 Jul. 2024.
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