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
C. Isaiah Smalls Ii, Miami Herald, 30 June 2025
Meanwhile, James and McCray were expected to shine coming out of high school, James as a top-100 recruit from Orlando’s Olympia and McCray’s as the nation’s top defensive line prospect in 2024 after leading Daytona Beach Mainland to the 2023 Class 3S state championship.
—Edgar Thompson, The Orlando Sentinel, 30 June 2025
Jackson Thompson, FOXNews.com, 20 June 2025
Robinson, 41, is a former NFL defensive back who played three seasons and 26 total games with the Detroit Lions, Philadelphia Eagles and Cleveland Browns.
—Jesse Newell, Kansas City Star, 18 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for defensive
Adjective
Regardless, Fitzpatrick gives Dolphins defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver another weapon that can be used a multitude of ways.
—C. Isaiah Smalls Ii, Miami Herald, 30 June 2025
Meanwhile, James and McCray were expected to shine coming out of high school, James as a top-100 recruit from Orlando’s Olympia and McCray’s as the nation’s top defensive line prospect in 2024 after leading Daytona Beach Mainland to the 2023 Class 3S state championship.
—Edgar Thompson, The Orlando Sentinel, 30 June 2025
Noun
The Kansas City Chiefs are being sued by former NFL defensive back Ramzee Robinson, who previously worked as the team's director of player engagement.
—Jackson Thompson, FOXNews.com, 20 June 2025
Robinson, 41, is a former NFL defensive back who played three seasons and 26 total games with the Detroit Lions, Philadelphia Eagles and Cleveland Browns.
—Jesse Newell, Kansas City Star, 18 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for defensive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for defensive
guard
Noun
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One potential reason why Clark’s peers ranked her so low among guards is due to playing only nine of the Fever’s 16 games this season.—
Ryan Gaydos,
FOXNews.com,
1 July 2025
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Charania also reported that the Nuggets are signing guard Bruce Brown in free agency.—
Barry Jackson,
Miami Herald,
1 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Defensive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/defensive. Accessed 12 Jul. 2025.
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