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
Kristian Winfield, Hartford Courant, 1 Mar. 2026
Verse and defensive lineman Braden Fiske will be eligible next year.
—Los Angeles Times, 1 Mar. 2026
Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 20 Feb. 2026
It should be mentioned that several book erasures have occurred in US publishing in recent years when a particular volume was deemed censorship-worthy not by the vigilantly value-defensive right but the vigilantly value-defensive left.
—Literary Hub, 19 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for defensive
Adjective
The defensive effort wasn’t new.
—Kristian Winfield, Hartford Courant, 1 Mar. 2026
Verse and defensive lineman Braden Fiske will be eligible next year.
—Los Angeles Times, 1 Mar. 2026
Noun
Please click here for a story on Patrick Paul, here for one on Jonah Savaiinaea, here for one on the three 2025 rookie defensive tackle draft picks and here for a piece on Chop Robinson.
—Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 20 Feb. 2026
It should be mentioned that several book erasures have occurred in US publishing in recent years when a particular volume was deemed censorship-worthy not by the vigilantly value-defensive right but the vigilantly value-defensive left.
—Literary Hub, 19 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for defensive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for defensive
Adjective
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Vinegar can damage some finishes and the protective coating on some wood cabinets may have degraded over time.—
Karen Brewer Grossman,
Southern Living,
25 Feb. 2026
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Dermatologists created this moisturizing lotion, which moistens your tattoo and creates a protective skin barrier.—
BestReviews,
Chicago Tribune,
25 Feb. 2026
Noun
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Especially after reinserting Skyy Clark into a starting lineup, which, barring injuries, will feature three guards – including Dent and sophomore Trent Perry – the rest of the season.—
Aaron Heisen,
Daily News,
24 Feb. 2026
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Tempers flared in the second quarter when Cunningham was called for an offensive foul after extending his arms and knocking down Spurs guard Stephon Castle.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
24 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Defensive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/defensive. Accessed 2 Mar. 2026.
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