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
CBS News, 5 Apr. 2026
That’s not a long-term defensive solution, which Denver could certainly still use and may look to the draft to address.
—Parker Gabriel, Denver Post, 5 Apr. 2026
Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 9 Mar. 2026
The high price of gas in California, resulting in large part from higher taxes and more regulation, has put the state’s leaders on the defensive for years.
—Michael Smolens, San Diego Union-Tribune, 6 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for defensive
Adjective
Beckett Sennecke also scored and Ville Husso stopped 15 shots during yet another rough defensive performance by the Ducks.
—CBS News, 5 Apr. 2026
That’s not a long-term defensive solution, which Denver could certainly still use and may look to the draft to address.
—Parker Gabriel, Denver Post, 5 Apr. 2026
Noun
The New York Jets are reportedly set to acquire Miami Dolphins All-Pro defensive back Minkah Fitzpatrick in a trade as NFL free agency gets off to a raucous start.
—Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 9 Mar. 2026
The high price of gas in California, resulting in large part from higher taxes and more regulation, has put the state’s leaders on the defensive for years.
—Michael Smolens, San Diego Union-Tribune, 6 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for defensive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for defensive
Adjective
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Eating more of these plants was most protective for the brain, the researchers found.—
Sandee LaMotte,
CNN Money,
8 Apr. 2026
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In a declaration attached to a temporary protective order filed against her ex-boyfriend in Utah court Tuesday, Paul detailed four incidents of domestic violence alleged to have been suffered at the hands of Dakota Mortensen.—
Rebecca Cohen,
NBC news,
8 Apr. 2026
Noun
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The Raptors dared Mitchell to shoot early, with the former Raptors guard scoring the Heat’s first seven points and nine of the team’s first 12.—
Ira Winderman,
Sun Sentinel,
8 Apr. 2026
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Buchanon mainly played guard at FIU, but can also play center, where’s taken most of his reps with TCU this spring.—
Steven Johnson,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
8 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Defensive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/defensive. Accessed 11 Apr. 2026.
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