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

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
  1. guards
  2. lookouts
Noun
  • However, last year’s team featured a nauseating number of guards, so these Bulls boast a crowded frontcourt and aren’t in dire need of Mathurin’s skill set.
    — Joel Lorenzi, New York Times, 1 Aug. 2026
  • Currently, state law restricts open carry of firearms only in public buildings with security measures like metal detectors and guards.
    — Rashad Alexander, Kansas City Star, 31 July 2026
Definition of guards
Noun
  • Dogs are natural lookouts who love to survey their territory.
    — Ryan Brennan, Kansas City Star, 2 July 2026
  • This family-friendly beach features a boardwalk with lookouts, playground, volleyball courts, and horseshoe pits.
    — Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 2 July 2026
Definition of lookouts

Browse Nearby Words

defensive
defensives
defer
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Cite this Entry

“Defensives.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/defensives. Accessed 5 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on defensives

Nglish: Translation of defensives for Spanish Speakers

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