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
Robert Marvi, MSNBC Newsweek, 23 Sep. 2025
The star player took the handoff, and the ball was knocked out of his grip by Lions defensive end Aidan Hutchinson.
—Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 23 Sep. 2025
Sarah Min, CNBC, 16 Sep. 2025
This rare unity across the aisle in the wake of a horrible tragedy left TMZ, the popular entertainment news platform known for its tenacity and deluge of scoops, on the defensive about the on-air snickering.
—Kevin Dolak, HollywoodReporter, 12 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for defensive
Adjective
During the contest, Mac Jones, who has filled in well for Purdy the last two weeks, re-aggravated a PCL sprain, while star defensive end Nick Bosa tore his ACL and is done for the season.
—Robert Marvi, MSNBC Newsweek, 23 Sep. 2025
The star player took the handoff, and the ball was knocked out of his grip by Lions defensive end Aidan Hutchinson.
—Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 23 Sep. 2025
Noun
However, a deterioration in economic conditions will mean investors should add to traditional defensives and low-beta stocks, which are less volatile than the broader market.
—Sarah Min, CNBC, 16 Sep. 2025
This rare unity across the aisle in the wake of a horrible tragedy left TMZ, the popular entertainment news platform known for its tenacity and deluge of scoops, on the defensive about the on-air snickering.
—Kevin Dolak, HollywoodReporter, 12 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for defensive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for defensive
Adjective
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Its propulsion system uses non-toxic materials, which allows soldiers to handle it safely without protective gear immediately after touchdown.—
Aamir Khollam,
Interesting Engineering,
4 Oct. 2025
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Sam Johnson had decided to end a successful spray deodorant product line because the propellant in the cans used chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), the chemical compound harming the protective ozone layer in the earth's atmosphere.—
Jeff Young,
MSNBC Newsweek,
3 Oct. 2025
Noun
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This quarter also saw a change of guard at the top for European equities.—
Jordan Butt,
CNBC,
1 Oct. 2025
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The squad has a deeper bench this season thanks to the additions of guards Jordan Clarkson and Malcolm Brogdon and big man Guerschon Yabusele.—
Robert Marvi,
MSNBC Newsweek,
1 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Defensive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/defensive. Accessed 8 Oct. 2025.
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