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 Texans are supposed to be elite on the defensive side of the ball, but having to face Allen and then Burrow will give any defensive coordinator nightmares. — Outkick, FOXNews.com, 20 Sep. 2026

Watch the reigning Super Bowl champs dominate on the defensive side. — Miami Herald, 17 Sep. 2026

Their biggest offseason additions were all on the defensive side of the ball, including their first three draft picks. — Jon MacHota, New York Times, 15 Sep. 2026

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

Rhymes for on the defensive

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