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
Dan Woike, Los Angeles Times, 5 Nov. 2024
Neurotic anxiety, however, arises from trying to avoid discomfort altogether, leaving us defensive and stuck.
—Luciana Paulise, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024
Steve Price, Forbes, 13 Oct. 2024
During the 1½ hour debate, both candidates found themselves on the defensive.
—Michael Collins, USA TODAY, 2 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for defensive 
Adjective
Through six games, that’s where Redick’s team ranked in defensive efficiency, a stunning statistic considering his team is anchored by one of the NBA’s premier defensive players in Anthony Davis.
—Dan Woike, Los Angeles Times, 5 Nov. 2024
Neurotic anxiety, however, arises from trying to avoid discomfort altogether, leaving us defensive and stuck.
—Luciana Paulise, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024
Noun
The opposition is already pinned back inside its own half, which puts them on the defensive.
—Steve Price, Forbes, 13 Oct. 2024
During the 1½ hour debate, both candidates found themselves on the defensive.
—Michael Collins, USA TODAY, 2 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for defensive
Thesaurus Entries Near defensive
Cite this Entry
“Defensive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/defensive. Accessed 21 Nov. 2024.
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