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

But the issues here have Republicans on the defensive — the economy, gas prices and AI data center growth have given Democrats an opening for a pathway back in a state Trump has won three times. — Domenico Montanaro, NPR, 30 Oct. 2026

Smith’s biggest strength is his ability to create havoc on the defensive end. — Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 28 Oct. 2026

The Vikings, meanwhile, leaned once again on the defensive unit that has become the backbone of this unexpected start. — Rick Maese, Washington Post, 26 Oct. 2026

While there are no true stars on the defensive front, Ezekiel Durham-Campbell is a name to know. — Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 20 Oct. 2026

Rhymes for on the defensive

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