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, 19 Apr. 2026
But Brenton Doyle, inserted for defensive purposes, ran the ball down for the final out.
—Patrick Saunders, Denver Post, 19 Apr. 2026
Mike Kaye
april 6, Charlotte Observer, 6 Apr. 2026
This policy has allowed protectionism to rear its angry head, while his direct criticisms of other nations and their leaders have put many heads of state on the defensive.
—Leonie Kidd, CNBC, 29 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for defensive
Adjective
The Cincinnati Bengals acquired three-time Pro Bowl defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence from the New York Giants for the 10th overall pick in next week's NFL draft, two people with knowledge of the trade told The Associated Press on Saturday night.
—CBS News, 19 Apr. 2026
But Brenton Doyle, inserted for defensive purposes, ran the ball down for the final out.
—Patrick Saunders, Denver Post, 19 Apr. 2026
Noun
Three-safety looks with Moehrig, Thieneman and Lathan Ransom would have a bit more range, as the Oregon defensive back has coverage ability that eludes the current depth chart at the position.
—Mike Kaye
april 6, Charlotte Observer, 6 Apr. 2026
This policy has allowed protectionism to rear its angry head, while his direct criticisms of other nations and their leaders have put many heads of state on the defensive.
—Leonie Kidd, CNBC, 29 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for defensive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for defensive
Adjective
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Damage to the facility’s outer protective structure has compromised safety functions designed to prevent the release of radioactivity into the environment.—
Aman Tripathi,
Interesting Engineering,
15 Apr. 2026
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On June 28, 2024, he was served with an emergency protective order and a notice of intent to terminate from the Costa Mesa Police Department, but after leaving headquarters, Josett drove by the woman’s home in violation of the restraining order and was arrested, Edds said.—
Nathaniel Percy,
Oc Register,
15 Apr. 2026
Noun
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At this year’s trade deadline, Charlotte was a buyer for the first time in years, adding Chicago guard Coby White as the Bulls embraced a rebuild.—
Jacob Feldman,
Sportico.com,
14 Apr. 2026
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The star guard, who tore her ACL for the first time before her junior year of high school, grappled with injuries throughout her first four seasons with the Huskies, first a foot injury that sidelined her for 11 games in 2021-22, then a knee injury that kept her out of 22 in her sophomore year.—
Emily Adams,
Hartford Courant,
14 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Defensive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/defensive. Accessed 21 Apr. 2026.
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