DEFENSIVES Synonyms: 6 Similar and Opposite Words

defensives

noun

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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

offensives

Example Sentences

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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

The 2026 class has been considered one of the deepest and most talented in recent memory, headlined by a quartet of generational one-and-dones as well as explosive guards and elite veteran forwards.

— Rohan Nadkarni, NBC news, 24 June 2026
After the top four picks, the draft was considered wide open with a logjam of talented guards.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 24 June 2026

Definition of guards

Noun

Wolfe is known for her quirky vacation rentals, which include the Big Idaho Potato near Boise; a Hobbit home in Chelan, Washington; a cocoon in Oregon; a tropical treehouse in Hawaii; and several Idaho fire lookouts.

— Nicole Blanchard, Idaho Statesman, 24 June 2026
There are stunning views of the city from the various lookouts atop Mount Royal.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 23 June 2026