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
Recent Examples on the Web
Among the potential areas for growth for Adebayo on the offensive end include continuing to refine his post-up package, finding ways to generate more shots around the rim and making the three-point shot an even bigger part of his game.
—
Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 13 May 2024
Sun Devils stay hot Arizona State’s torrid start to the 2025 class, particularly on the offensive line, continued with two more pledges.
—Jon Wilner, The Mercury News, 9 May 2024
That stellar defense that kept Boston at bay also led to the Panthers executing on the offensive end.
—Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 9 May 2024
Fashanu was Penn State’s first consensus All-American on the offensive line since 1995 (Jeff Hartings).
—Eddie Brown, San Diego Union-Tribune, 22 Apr. 2024
If Phoenix goes ultra small with Durant at the five, then Rudy Gobert has to live at the rim — either with deep post positioning or on the offensive glass.
—Jace Frederick, Twin Cities, 19 Apr. 2024
Especially on the offensive side of the football, where Mahomes, the two-time NFL MVP, called the shots?
—Sean Gregory / Dallas, TIME, 16 Apr. 2024
Brown pointed out his team did well on the offensive glass by outscoring the Celtics 20-8 on second-chance points.
—Chris Biderman, Sacramento Bee, 6 Apr. 2024
Murray was not too pleased with his performance after the game but hoped that his persistence on the offensive end made an NBA legend proud.
—Sam Joseph, CNN, 29 Mar. 2024
Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 13 May 2024
Sun Devils stay hot Arizona State’s torrid start to the 2025 class, particularly on the offensive line, continued with two more pledges.
—Jon Wilner, The Mercury News, 9 May 2024
That stellar defense that kept Boston at bay also led to the Panthers executing on the offensive end.
—Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 9 May 2024
Fashanu was Penn State’s first consensus All-American on the offensive line since 1995 (Jeff Hartings).
—Eddie Brown, San Diego Union-Tribune, 22 Apr. 2024
If Phoenix goes ultra small with Durant at the five, then Rudy Gobert has to live at the rim — either with deep post positioning or on the offensive glass.
—Jace Frederick, Twin Cities, 19 Apr. 2024
Especially on the offensive side of the football, where Mahomes, the two-time NFL MVP, called the shots?
—Sean Gregory / Dallas, TIME, 16 Apr. 2024
Brown pointed out his team did well on the offensive glass by outscoring the Celtics 20-8 on second-chance points.
—Chris Biderman, Sacramento Bee, 6 Apr. 2024
Murray was not too pleased with his performance after the game but hoped that his persistence on the offensive end made an NBA legend proud.
—Sam Joseph, CNN, 29 Mar. 2024
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'on the offensive.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near 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 May. 2024.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share