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

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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.
The Cavaliers made a somewhat surprising run to the conference title game a season ago, but there was a lot of personnel turnover on the offensive side. — Eddie Timanus, USA Today, 28 Aug. 2026 Taylor-Whitfield, a senior offensive tackle, hyped up the crowd with his thoughts on the offensive line. — Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 28 Aug. 2026 Johnson is one of the few players in college football with experience at all five spots on the offensive line. — Dane Brugler, New York Times, 26 Aug. 2026 Preston Cushman is the only returning starter on the offensive line, leaving UCF to focus on filling the remaining four spots up front. — Matt Murschel, The Orlando Sentinel, 26 Aug. 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
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Cite this Entry

“On the offensive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/on%20the%20offensive. Accessed 31 Aug. 2026.

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