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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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of defensive
Joe Nguyen, Denver Post, 19 Oct. 2025
President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy are set to meet at the White House on Friday to discuss big-ticket defensive items and strategies to better counter Russia’s war.
—Caitlin McFall, FOXNews.com, 17 Oct. 2025
Evan Massey, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 Oct. 2025
California’s high gas prices have long put Democrats on the defensive.
—Michael Smolens, San Diego Union-Tribune, 28 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for defensive
Adjective
No defensive front has been generating pressure like Vance Joseph’s crew since Buddy Ryan’s 1980s Bears.
—Joe Nguyen, Denver Post, 19 Oct. 2025
President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy are set to meet at the White House on Friday to discuss big-ticket defensive items and strategies to better counter Russia’s war.
—Caitlin McFall, FOXNews.com, 17 Oct. 2025
Noun
Keeping that in mind, Las Vegas has been linked as a potential trade suitor for a very intriguing dynamic defensive back.
—Evan Massey, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 Oct. 2025
California’s high gas prices have long put Democrats on the defensive.
—Michael Smolens, San Diego Union-Tribune, 28 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for defensive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for defensive
Adjective
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Prevent damage to nonstick finishes by using paper towels as a protective layer between pots and pans.—
Melissa Locker,
Southern Living,
24 Oct. 2025
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This trend reflects a growing demand for versatile protective styles beyond traditional knotless braids.—
Donnetta Monk,
Essence,
24 Oct. 2025
Noun
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In a 117-116 win over the Boston Celtics at TD Garden, the rookie guard from Baylor scored 34 points.—
Tony Jones,
New York Times,
23 Oct. 2025
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Combined with an intense summer heat wave, the surge caught many residents off guard, said Alex Ambrose, a transportation and climate policy analyst at New Jersey Policy Perspective.—
Sharon Goldman,
Fortune,
22 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Defensive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/defensive. Accessed 25 Oct. 2025.
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