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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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 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
  • The Panthers have had three starting right guards this season and all three have sustained noteworthy injuries.
    Mike Kaye, Charlotte Observer, 29 Oct. 2025
  • Nine teens temporarily escaped from a facility the company owned near Philadelphia following a riot in 2023, and guards at the same facility suffered minor injuries during a riot in September.
    Meg Wingerter, Denver Post, 29 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 1 Nov. 2025.

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