DEFENSIVE Synonyms: 24 Similar and Opposite Words

defensive 1 of 2

adjective

di-ˈfen(t)-siv

Definition of defensive

as in protective

intended to resist or prevent attack or aggression a defensive alliance among the small nations against the aggressors

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

defensive

2 of 2

noun

as in guard

a position of readiness to oppose actual or expected attack their unexpectedly harsh words put him on the defensive

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

offensive

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of defensive

Adjective

The Jets, seeking to address their defensive shortcomings, signed safety Minkah Fitzpatrick in the offseason. — Andrew Greif, NBC news, 3 Oct. 2026 That's when Carr and the Irish offense went to work with a series of methodical and physical drives, carrying the ball right into the heart of the defensive front and consistently moving the chains. — ABC News, 3 Oct. 2026

Noun

The source close to the TPLF said federal troops had been put on the defensive by Tigrayan forces and their allies in Amhara and Afar. — Arkansas Online, 26 Sep. 2026 Now at Ole Miss, former Florida defensive back Sharif Denson knows what lies ahead for his new quarterback. — Edgar Thompson, The Orlando Sentinel, 23 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for defensive

Recent Examples of Synonyms for defensive

Adjective

Trump has repeatedly insisted that the damage to the Reflecting Pool resulted from intentional vandalism, claiming that vandals cut a gash hundreds of feet long in the pool’s protective lining.

— Lim Hui Jie, CNBC, 2 Oct. 2026
With methane—a potent greenhouse gas—ousted from the atmosphere, and the creation of the UV-protective ozone layer (which still shields us from the sun’s rays today), the Earth began to cool and experienced one of its earliest ice ages.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 2 Oct. 2026

Definition of protective

Noun

Suamataia didn’t start at left guard on the offensive line for the Chiefs in their AFC West showdown with the Raiders.

— Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 5 Oct. 2026
Turns out, since Proctor has been a major catalyst in the run game, routinely moving defensive tackles at guard, there’s some thought that guard, and not tackle, might be his future home.

— Omar Kelly, Miami Herald, 4 Oct. 2026

Definition of guard

Browse Nearby Words

defensible

defensive

defensives

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Style

“Defensive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/defensive. Accessed 8 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of defensive

adjective

noun

Example Sentences

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