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
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.
Those sons were roommates with Garza during their time together on the Hornets, including side-by-side on the offensive line as starters. — Joe Davidson, Sacbee.com, 10 July 2026 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 Magic picked Isaac sixth in the 2017 NBA Draft, but knee injuries have hampered his development on the offensive end. — Josh Robbins, New York Times, 1 July 2026 The offseason focus, Smith said, will be on the offensive end. — Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 29 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for on the offensive

Rhymes for on the offensive

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Browse Nearby Words

on the off chance
on the offensive
on the one hand
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“On the offensive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/on%20the%20offensive. Accessed 13 Jul. 2026.

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