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
Shane Young, Forbes.com, 30 Aug. 2025
Maita made his defensive debut a memorable one, accounting for two of the Wildcats’ three interceptions in their 21-13 win against rival Waubonsie Valley in Aurora on Friday night.
—Matt Le Cren, Chicago Tribune, 30 Aug. 2025
Mike Organ, The Tennessean, 26 Aug. 2025
The Panthers are likely to rely on the second-year defensive back to expand the versatility of the secondary.
—Mike Kaye
updated August 26, Charlotte Observer, 26 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for defensive
Adjective
But, as Thomas will always note, their defensive pressure is what allows Phoenix to thrive.
—Shane Young, Forbes.com, 30 Aug. 2025
Maita made his defensive debut a memorable one, accounting for two of the Wildcats’ three interceptions in their 21-13 win against rival Waubonsie Valley in Aurora on Friday night.
—Matt Le Cren, Chicago Tribune, 30 Aug. 2025
Noun
He was joined by five teammates who were part of a 22-member Tennessean All-Nashville Interscholastic Schools team, including quarterback/defensive back Mike Pike, running back Preston Brown, offensive guard Ronnie Madison, defensive tackle Ronald Hale and defensive end Dallas Hall.
—Mike Organ, The Tennessean, 26 Aug. 2025
The Panthers are likely to rely on the second-year defensive back to expand the versatility of the secondary.
—Mike Kaye
updated August 26, Charlotte Observer, 26 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for defensive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for defensive
Adjective
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Future research could also explore why omega-3s appear to be more protective for women—something that’s currently unclear.—
Brian Mastroianni,
Health,
5 Sep. 2025
-
Always ask for a protective base coat.—
Hannah Nwoko,
Parents,
5 Sep. 2025
Noun
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Dermish launched businesses to support the industry, offering everything from guards for drill sites to housing for oil field workers.—
ProPublica,
ProPublica,
4 Sep. 2025
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Bronny, the son of LeBron James, joined his father on the Los Angeles Lakers when the NBA team selected the freshman guard from the University of Southern California as the 55th overall pick in the second round of the 2024 NBA draft.—
Madison E. Goldberg,
People.com,
3 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Defensive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/defensive. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.
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