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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Between the turnovers and Kansas getting outrebounded 8-1 on the offensive glass, the Jayhawks only shot the ball 22 times compared to Iowa State’s 36 in that time.
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Shreyas Laddha, Kansas City Star, 14 Feb. 2026
The coaching staff also signed additional skilled-position players, such as running back Duke Watson and receivers Josh Derry and Jonathan Bibbs, while building depth on the offensive and defensive lines and in the secondary.
—Matt Murschel, The Orlando Sentinel, 13 Feb. 2026
That could leave the Patriots looking to spend on the offensive side of the ball this offseason.
—Matt Schooley, CBS News, 9 Feb. 2026
Chris Beard is getting desperate for anything on the offensive end.
—Thomas Jones, Austin American Statesman, 7 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for on the offensive
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Shreyas Laddha, Kansas City Star, 14 Feb. 2026
The coaching staff also signed additional skilled-position players, such as running back Duke Watson and receivers Josh Derry and Jonathan Bibbs, while building depth on the offensive and defensive lines and in the secondary.
—Matt Murschel, The Orlando Sentinel, 13 Feb. 2026
That could leave the Patriots looking to spend on the offensive side of the ball this offseason.
—Matt Schooley, CBS News, 9 Feb. 2026
Chris Beard is getting desperate for anything on the offensive end.
—Thomas Jones, Austin American Statesman, 7 Feb. 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 17 Feb. 2026.
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