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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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of defensive
Anantaajith Raghuraman, New York Times, 26 Oct. 2025
The 49ers’ only other sacks, aside from Bosa’s two, are one apiece from defensive lineman Mykel Williams and nickel back Upton Stout.
—Cam Inman, Mercury News, 17 Oct. 2025
Mike Kaye, Charlotte Observer, 11 Oct. 2025
Namdi was an undersized defensive back who had to go the junior college route to get his opportunity.
—Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 9 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for defensive
Adjective
Before Sunday’s fixtures, Sunderland sit second in the Premier League, two points behind leaders Arsenal and have the joint-third best defensive record.
—Anantaajith Raghuraman, New York Times, 26 Oct. 2025
The 49ers’ only other sacks, aside from Bosa’s two, are one apiece from defensive lineman Mykel Williams and nickel back Upton Stout.
—Cam Inman, Mercury News, 17 Oct. 2025
Noun
Crossen will provide depth at cornerback and on special teams with backup defensive back Akayleb Evans sidelined with a hamstring injury.
—Mike Kaye, Charlotte Observer, 11 Oct. 2025
Namdi was an undersized defensive back who had to go the junior college route to get his opportunity.
—Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 9 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for defensive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for defensive
Adjective
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Prevent damage to nonstick finishes by using paper towels as a protective layer between pots and pans.—
Melissa Locker,
Southern Living,
24 Oct. 2025
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This trend reflects a growing demand for versatile protective styles beyond traditional knotless braids.—
Donnetta Monk,
Essence,
24 Oct. 2025
Noun
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In a 117-116 win over the Boston Celtics at TD Garden, the rookie guard from Baylor scored 34 points.—
Tony Jones,
New York Times,
23 Oct. 2025
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Combined with an intense summer heat wave, the surge caught many residents off guard, said Alex Ambrose, a transportation and climate policy analyst at New Jersey Policy Perspective.—
Sharon Goldman,
Fortune,
22 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Defensive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/defensive. Accessed 29 Oct. 2025.
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