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
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With Guyton struggling at the position through two seasons and Steele being a potential cut candidate in the offseason, flexibility on the offensive line could be a luxury for the Cowboys’ front office when identifying free agent and draft candidates to fill spots.
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Nick Harris, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 23 Dec. 2025
Garza, who hadn’t seen meaningful minutes in weeks before returning to the rotation Saturday night in Toronto, won extra possessions with more strong work on the offensive glass.
—Zack Cox, Boston Herald, 23 Dec. 2025
When Draymond Green was ejected in the second quarter of the Warriors’ 119-116 victory over the Suns, Jackson-Davis grabbed seven rebounds – three on the offensive end – when pressed into action and playing 17 minutes.
—Joseph Dycus, Mercury News, 22 Dec. 2025
The Chiefs were whistled for five false start penalties — everyone on the offensive line committed at least one other than Creed Humphrey.
—Sam McDowell December 21, Kansas City Star, 21 Dec. 2025
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Nick Harris, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 23 Dec. 2025
Garza, who hadn’t seen meaningful minutes in weeks before returning to the rotation Saturday night in Toronto, won extra possessions with more strong work on the offensive glass.
—Zack Cox, Boston Herald, 23 Dec. 2025
When Draymond Green was ejected in the second quarter of the Warriors’ 119-116 victory over the Suns, Jackson-Davis grabbed seven rebounds – three on the offensive end – when pressed into action and playing 17 minutes.
—Joseph Dycus, Mercury News, 22 Dec. 2025
The Chiefs were whistled for five false start penalties — everyone on the offensive line committed at least one other than Creed Humphrey.
—Sam McDowell December 21, Kansas City Star, 21 Dec. 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 28 Dec. 2025.
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