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
Shreyas Laddha, Kansas City Star, 28 Sep. 2025
Without Malanda organizing the back line, Charlotte’s defensive chemistry dissolved.
—Colin Cerniglia, Charlotte Observer, 28 Sep. 2025
Kevin Dolak, HollywoodReporter, 12 Sep. 2025
Former football players coming up with bars that have lasting power near their alma mater is one of the themes of this list, and former Ole Miss defensive back Johnny Desler got started right after graduation in 1997.
—The Athletic College Football Staff, New York Times, 11 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for defensive
Adjective
The Jayhawks have both a new offensive coordinator and defensive coordinator for this season.
—Shreyas Laddha, Kansas City Star, 28 Sep. 2025
Without Malanda organizing the back line, Charlotte’s defensive chemistry dissolved.
—Colin Cerniglia, Charlotte Observer, 28 Sep. 2025
Noun
This rare unity across the aisle in the wake of a horrible tragedy left TMZ, the popular entertainment news platform known for its tenacity and deluge of scoops, on the defensive about the on-air snickering.
—Kevin Dolak, HollywoodReporter, 12 Sep. 2025
Former football players coming up with bars that have lasting power near their alma mater is one of the themes of this list, and former Ole Miss defensive back Johnny Desler got started right after graduation in 1997.
—The Athletic College Football Staff, New York Times, 11 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for defensive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for defensive
Adjective
-
The site is also relatively isolated from human activity due to chemical contamination, creating a protective bubble for wildlife.—
Sujita Sinha,
Interesting Engineering,
26 Sep. 2025
-
The oldest, Josiah, who’s 16, has become more protective of his younger brothers, his great aunts said.—
Briah Lumpkins,
Charlotte Observer,
26 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
This quarter also saw a change of guard at the top for European equities.—
Jordan Butt,
CNBC,
1 Oct. 2025
-
The squad has a deeper bench this season thanks to the additions of guards Jordan Clarkson and Malcolm Brogdon and big man Guerschon Yabusele.—
Robert Marvi,
MSNBC Newsweek,
1 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Defensive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/defensive. Accessed 2 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share