defensives

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

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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 However, a deterioration in economic conditions will mean investors should add to traditional defensives and low-beta stocks, which are less volatile than the broader market. Sarah Min, CNBC, 16 Sep. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for defensives
Noun
  • In 1990, for example, two robbers dressed as Boston police officers talked their way into the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, restrained the guards and made off with 13 pieces of artwork 81 minutes later.
    N'dea Yancey-Bragg, USA Today, 22 Oct. 2025
  • Nicolas Peyrin, deputy secretary general of the prison guards’ union, told CNN affiliate BFMTV that the additional security provided for the former president was not needed.
    Charlotte Reck, CNN Money, 22 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • These historic mines offer great mountainous lookouts.
    Paige Moore, AZCentral.com, 7 Oct. 2025
  • According to the organization’s shutdown contingency plan, park roads, lookouts, trails and open air memorials will remain accessible to visitors.
    Briah Lumpkins, Charlotte Observer, 3 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Defensives.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/defensives. Accessed 28 Oct. 2025.

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