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
Finding five above-average starters on the offensive line has been difficult enough for the Dolphins in recent years.
—
Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 3 Aug. 2025
But as prices continue to rise, Democrats in Congress and left-leaning groups are looking to go on the offensive ahead of the 2026 midterm elections.
—Emily Scolnick, CNN Money, 31 July 2025
Taylor, however, returned to drills Sunday while stepping back in immediately as a starter on the offensive line.
—Jesse Newell, Kansas City Star, 30 July 2025
Think two young impact players (probably on the offensive side for Pittsburgh) rather than three.
—Tim Britton, New York Times, 29 July 2025
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Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 3 Aug. 2025
But as prices continue to rise, Democrats in Congress and left-leaning groups are looking to go on the offensive ahead of the 2026 midterm elections.
—Emily Scolnick, CNN Money, 31 July 2025
Taylor, however, returned to drills Sunday while stepping back in immediately as a starter on the offensive line.
—Jesse Newell, Kansas City Star, 30 July 2025
Think two young impact players (probably on the offensive side for Pittsburgh) rather than three.
—Tim Britton, New York Times, 29 July 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 20 Aug. 2025.
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