as in protective
intended to resist or prevent attack or aggression
a defensive alliance among the small nations against the aggressors
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Recent Examples of defensive
Colin Cerniglia, Charlotte Observer, 25 May 2025
While Robinson isn't the strongest offensive threat on the floor, his defensive prowess more than makes up for everything.
—Matt Levine, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 May 2025
Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Apr. 2025
Other Republicans have been put on the defensive by the administration’s handling of the controversial case.
—Alexander Bolton, The Hill, 23 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for defensive
Adjective
That character was tested early when Columbus struck first through Ibrahim Aliyu’s header in the 15th minute, a beautiful cross from Diego Rossi that could have sent Charlotte into familiar defensive collapse.
—Colin Cerniglia, Charlotte Observer, 25 May 2025
While Robinson isn't the strongest offensive threat on the floor, his defensive prowess more than makes up for everything.
—Matt Levine, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 May 2025
Noun
The Seahawks can't let Barron's numbers and impressive tape convince them to take the Texas defensive back.
—Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Apr. 2025
Other Republicans have been put on the defensive by the administration’s handling of the controversial case.
—Alexander Bolton, The Hill, 23 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for defensive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for defensive
guard
Noun
-
Phoenix Mercury guard Diana Taurasi handles the ball during a WNBA basketball game against the Dallas Wings, Wednesday, June 7, 2023, in Arlington, Texas.—
Alex Kirschenbaum,
MSNBC Newsweek,
28 May 2025
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Nestled between Rome and Florence, Umbria is a region of farmland and timeless villages that will catch you off guard with its beauty.—
Jim Dobson,
Forbes.com,
27 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Defensive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/defensive. Accessed 1 Jun. 2025.
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