defensives

Definition of defensivesnext
plural of defensive
as in guards
a position of readiness to oppose actual or expected attack their unexpectedly harsh words put him on the defensive

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 defensives There remains a rotation underway – financials over tech , value over growth , defensives over high-beta stocks – simply not enough to hold the indexes harmless. Michael Santoli, CNBC, 17 Dec. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for defensives
Noun
  • Liveried guards greet you at the grand entrance and breeze through ‘hello’ in any number of languages.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 June 2026
  • He is known for his corner offense, which featured two big men at each side of the free throw line, an offense that would spread the floor and allow guards and wings to cut and flow to the corners.
    Jason Quick, New York Times, 2 June 2026
Noun
  • What to see today There are plenty of hikes and lookouts throughout the park, from Halemaʻumaʻu Crater to the petroglyph field, featuring ancient rock carvings, along the Chain of Craters Road.
    Kathleen Wong, USA Today, 20 May 2026
  • Inland, Dunk Island is covered in lush rainforest, with several trails leading to lookouts, quiet beaches, and the island’s high point, Mount Kootaloo, which sits at 900 feet above sea level.
    Evie Carrick, Travel + Leisure, 14 May 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Defensives.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/defensives. Accessed 9 Jun. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on defensives

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster