on the defensive

phrase

: in the state or condition of being prepared or required to defend against attack or criticism

keeping his political opponent on the defensive

Examples of on the defensive in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The Trojans have looked good on the defensive line even without Stewart, but adding another five-star talent to the front could really elevate the defense to a different level. — Ryan Kartje, Los Angeles Times, 14 Sep. 2026

Rising Secondary Michigan’s secondary was overshadowed a bit by the defensive front in the preseason, but no one should be sleeping on the defensive backs. — Austin Meek, New York Times, 14 Sep. 2026

Aaron Donald stayed home from Australia after coming out of retirement just two weeks ago, but the 35-year-old star will soon be on the defensive line with Garrett. — ABC News, 11 Sep. 2026

The Bucs responded with a housecleaning that also swept out four assistants on the defensive coaching staff. — Rick Stroud, The Orlando Sentinel, 8 Sep. 2026

Rhymes for on the defensive

• counteroffensive
• antihypertensive
• apprehensive
• coextensive
• comprehensive
• hypertensive
• hypotensive
• inexpensive
• inoffensive
• normotensive
• expensive
• extensive