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
Shaun Goodwin, Idaho Statesman, 20 Apr. 2025
Second report also says consumers are stressed An unrelated index to the Kearney survey is also showing some consumers are taking a defensive mode to their spending.
—Betty Lin-Fisher, USA Today, 20 Apr. 2025
Matt Barrows, New York Times, 26 Mar. 2025
Because the Panthers essentially had a clean slate at the position to begin free agency — outside of second-year defensive back Demani Richardson — there are a lot of holes to fill in that room.
—Mike Kaye, Charlotte Observer, 19 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for defensive
Adjective
Redshirt junior defensive lineman David Latu, a transfer from BYU, also impressed on Saturday.
—Shaun Goodwin, Idaho Statesman, 20 Apr. 2025
Second report also says consumers are stressed An unrelated index to the Kearney survey is also showing some consumers are taking a defensive mode to their spending.
—Betty Lin-Fisher, USA Today, 20 Apr. 2025
Noun
Third round, No. 100: DE Jordan Burch, Oregon At 6-4, 279 pounds, Burch is bigger than most college defensive ends.
—Matt Barrows, New York Times, 26 Mar. 2025
Because the Panthers essentially had a clean slate at the position to begin free agency — outside of second-year defensive back Demani Richardson — there are a lot of holes to fill in that room.
—Mike Kaye, Charlotte Observer, 19 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for defensive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for defensive
Noun
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Right guard: The Colts lost their starting right guard, Will Fries, to the Minnesota Vikings in free agency, and his absence raises serious questions about Indianapolis’ plans to replace him.—
James Boyd,
New York Times,
22 Apr. 2025
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University of Kansas senior men’s basketball guard Zeke Mayo, who at this time has no college eligibility remaining, has entered his name in the NCAA transfer portal.—
Gary Bedore,
Kansas City Star,
22 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Defensive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/defensive. Accessed 2 May. 2025.
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