as in protective
intended to resist or prevent attack or aggression
a defensive alliance among the small nations against the aggressors
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
ABC News, 15 Mar. 2026
He’s considered an elite offensive guard who could use work on the defensive end.
—Chris Biderman, Sacbee.com, 15 Mar. 2026
Literary Hub, 3 Mar. 2026
So far, Gulf states have been on the defensive.
—Tareq Alotaiba, semafor.com, 2 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for defensive
Adjective
The win was one of Toronto’s best defensive efforts of the season as the Raptors overcame poor three-point shooting.
—ABC News, 15 Mar. 2026
He’s considered an elite offensive guard who could use work on the defensive end.
—Chris Biderman, Sacbee.com, 15 Mar. 2026
Noun
And by then the caller is sufficiently on the defensive.
—Literary Hub, 3 Mar. 2026
So far, Gulf states have been on the defensive.
—Tareq Alotaiba, semafor.com, 2 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for defensive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for defensive
Adjective
-
This acts as a protective barrier against environmental damage.—
Neetika Walter,
Interesting Engineering,
18 Mar. 2026
-
Wear specialized gloves and other protective gear to protect yourself when dealing with radiation.—
BestReviews,
Mercury News,
18 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Iran’s Supreme National Security Council has confirmed the death of Larijani, along with his son Morteza Larijani and the head of his office, Alireza Bayat, as well as several guards, the Associated Press reported.—
Anniek Bao,
CNBC,
18 Mar. 2026
-
Only six players in NBA history had dished out more assists than Sacramento Kings guard Russell Westbrook going into Tuesday’s game against the San Antonio Spurs, and now that list is even shorter.—
Jason Anderson,
Sacbee.com,
18 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Defensive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/defensive. Accessed 22 Mar. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
