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
Adam Grosbard, Orange County Register, 6 Feb. 2025
However, the loss of Davis presents a challenge, particularly on the defensive end.
—Kristan Hawkins, Newsweek, 6 Feb. 2025
David Axe, Forbes, 22 Jan. 2025
Tehran is on the defensive, and the struggle for Syria has entered a new phase as regional powers scramble for influence.
—Raja Khalidi, Foreign Affairs, 20 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for defensive 
Adjective
That makes three total members of the Rams’ young pass rush to be invited to the NFL Honors as Rookie of the Year finalists in the last two seasons, after defensive tackle Kobie Turner was the runner-up following the 2023 season.
—Adam Grosbard, Orange County Register, 6 Feb. 2025
However, the loss of Davis presents a challenge, particularly on the defensive end.
—Kristan Hawkins, Newsweek, 6 Feb. 2025
Noun
But with only a few exceptions, the Ukrainians have been on the defensive in Kursk since August.
—David Axe, Forbes, 22 Jan. 2025
Tehran is on the defensive, and the struggle for Syria has entered a new phase as regional powers scramble for influence.
—Raja Khalidi, Foreign Affairs, 20 Jan. 2025
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 12 Feb. 2025.
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