Taking the offensive is an act of starting an aggressive attack or making the first move in an argument. Some synonyms for taking the offensive are initiating an attack, launching a counterattack or starting a confrontation. It can also mean provoking, antagonizing, or inciting someone to act in a certain way. Other synonyms for taking the offensive that are more nuanced include initiating action, pressing forward or taking the initiative. There are many different ways to describe the act of taking the offensive, and the choice of which synonym to use may depend on the context of the situation and the writer's intended tone.