protective

as in defensive
intended to resist or prevent attack or aggression the cat drew back its ears and sank into a protective posture as the dog approached it

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Example Sentences

Recent Examples of Synonyms for protective
defensive
Adjective
  • And with all due respect to Tyler, Durant figures to be the one for the ages who will draw the ultimate defensive respect.
    Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 19 June 2025
  • Indianapolis still has its two stalwart defensive tackles, DeForest Buckner and Grover Stewart, anchoring the interior defensive line.
    James Boyd, New York Times, 19 June 2025
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“Protective.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/protective. Accessed 1 Jul. 2025.

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