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
Jacob Camenker, USA Today, 8 Feb. 2026
Eric Garcia is often a solid option in that area of the pitch too, but Hansi Flick’s Swiss Army knife is required to operate at right back and in defensive midfield in other moments.
—Tom Sanderson, Forbes.com, 26 Jan. 2026
Andrew Callahan, Boston Herald, 21 Jan. 2026
Freshman defensive back Bryce Fitzgerald (six interceptions) and senior transfer Jakobe Thomas (five) have a boatload of picks.
—Andrew Greif, NBC news, 19 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for defensive
Adjective
Who are the potential defensive MVP candidates to watch?
—Jacob Camenker, USA Today, 8 Feb. 2026
Eric Garcia is often a solid option in that area of the pitch too, but Hansi Flick’s Swiss Army knife is required to operate at right back and in defensive midfield in other moments.
—Tom Sanderson, Forbes.com, 26 Jan. 2026
Noun
Fourth-round rookie defensive tackle Joshua Farmer and backup running back Terrell Jennings also practiced.
—Andrew Callahan, Boston Herald, 21 Jan. 2026
Freshman defensive back Bryce Fitzgerald (six interceptions) and senior transfer Jakobe Thomas (five) have a boatload of picks.
—Andrew Greif, NBC news, 19 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for defensive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for defensive
Adjective
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This mindset can serve as a protective layer against depression, anxiety, and poor mental health, which can lead to poor aging.—
Alexa Mikhail,
Flow Space,
4 Feb. 2026
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Always wear protective gear like gloves and a face mask.—
Ashlyn Needham,
Southern Living,
3 Feb. 2026
Noun
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The Los Angeles Clippers are trading veteran guard James Harden to the Cleveland Cavaliers, per ESPN.—
Jackson Thompson,
FOXNews.com,
4 Feb. 2026
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Many of those reports mention a possible trade with the Cleveland Cavaliers, swapping Harden in exchange for guard Darius Garland.—
Chuck Schilken,
Los Angeles Times,
3 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Defensive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/defensive. Accessed 10 Feb. 2026.
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