on the offensive
phrase
: 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
Starting the game with a miss on a rare 3-point attempt, Reed recovered with an early block on a layup attempt from Trevor Keels and snared seven rebounds, three on the offensive end, in an 88-87 loss to the Miami Heat.
—
Joe Arruda,
Hartford Courant,
4 July 2026
The offseason focus, Smith said, will be on the offensive end.
—
Ira Winderman,
Sun Sentinel,
29 June 2026
In fact, in college the 2025 second-round pick had lined up at every position on the offensive line except center and left guard.
—
Miami Herald,
29 June 2026
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.
Joe Arruda,
Hartford Courant,
4 July 2026
The offseason focus, Smith said, will be on the offensive end.
—
Ira Winderman,
Sun Sentinel,
29 June 2026
In fact, in college the 2025 second-round pick had lined up at every position on the offensive line except center and left guard.
—
Miami Herald,
29 June 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 7 Jul. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
