Synonyms of defensive

defensive 1 of 2

adjective

di-ˈfen(t)-siv 

as in protective

intended to resist or prevent attack or aggression

a defensive alliance among the small nations against the aggressors

Synonyms & Similar Words

• protective
• self-protective
• preventive
• deterrent
• secure
• safe

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• offensive
• aggressive
• belligerent
• warlike
• combative
• militant
• contentious
• pugnacious
• quarrelsome
• truculent
• bellicose
• in-your-face
• scrappy

defensive

2 of 2

noun

as in guard

a position of readiness to oppose actual or expected attack

their unexpectedly harsh words put him on the defensive

Synonyms & Similar Words

• guard
• lookout
• alert
• watch
• qui vive

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• offensive

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of defensive

Adjective

Earlier this offseason, defensive end Myles Garrett signed a four-year, $160 million extension with the Cleveland Browns, while T.J. Watt further reset the pass-rusher market with a three-year, $123 million extension with the Pittsburgh Steelers. —Peter Sblendorio, New York Daily News, 4 Aug. 2025

Clearly Miami’s hoping that the defensive front seven will shoulder a heavy load, creating enough pass-rushing pressure to speed up the opposing quarterback’s operation. —Omar Kelly, Miami Herald, 4 Aug. 2025

Noun

Exxon might have lost, but as Javier Blas writes in Bloomberg, its delay tactic was successful in putting Chevron CEO Mike Wirth on the defensive for two years and giving Exxon shares a decisive advantage on Wall Street. —Tim McDonnell, semafor.com, 22 July 2025

President Trump facing a political firestorm over the Jeffrey Epstein files, dividing his base and putting the president on the defensive. —ABC News, 20 July 2025