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
David Rooney, The Hollywood Reporter, 19 Nov. 2024
But he was caught from behind by defensive back Devin Grant, something that would have been hard to imagine a year ago.
—Jeff Faraudo, The Mercury News, 16 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
One is a bubbly blonde princess, vain and entitled and yet to discover her tender heart, and the other a defensive outsider, regarded as a freak because she was born with bright green skin but possessed of formidable powers.
—David Rooney, The Hollywood Reporter, 19 Nov. 2024
But he was caught from behind by defensive back Devin Grant, something that would have been hard to imagine a year ago.
—Jeff Faraudo, The Mercury News, 16 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 24 Nov. 2024.
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