as in protective
intended to resist or prevent attack or aggression a defensive alliance among the small nations against the aggressors
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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 defensive
CBS News, 19 Apr. 2026 But Brenton Doyle, inserted for defensive purposes, ran the ball down for the final out. —Patrick Saunders, Denver Post, 19 Apr. 2026
Mike Kaye april 6, Charlotte Observer, 6 Apr. 2026 This policy has allowed protectionism to rear its angry head, while his direct criticisms of other nations and their leaders have put many heads of state on the defensive. —Leonie Kidd, CNBC, 29 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for defensive
Adjective
The Cincinnati Bengals acquired three-time Pro Bowl defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence from the New York Giants for the 10th overall pick in next week's NFL draft, two people with knowledge of the trade told The Associated Press on Saturday night. —CBS News, 19 Apr. 2026 But Brenton Doyle, inserted for defensive purposes, ran the ball down for the final out. —Patrick Saunders, Denver Post, 19 Apr. 2026
Noun
Three-safety looks with Moehrig, Thieneman and Lathan Ransom would have a bit more range, as the Oregon defensive back has coverage ability that eludes the current depth chart at the position. —Mike Kaye april 6, Charlotte Observer, 6 Apr. 2026 This policy has allowed protectionism to rear its angry head, while his direct criticisms of other nations and their leaders have put many heads of state on the defensive. —Leonie Kidd, CNBC, 29 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for defensive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for defensive
Adjective
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Constructing protective structures such as levees and dikes can help, as can preserving natural landscapes, such as wetlands and estuaries that can act as a natural sponge to absorb floodwaters, in and near the cities, Shao and her colleagues wrote.— Adam Kovac, Scientific American, 22 Apr. 2026
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Alan retired from performing in 1987 after he was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, a disease that causes breakdown of the protective covering of nerves.— Jason Pham, StyleCaster, 21 Apr. 2026
Noun
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After Hawks center Tony Bradley was called for an offensive foul for setting a hard screen on Alvarado, the veteran McCollum got into it with the scrappy Knicks guard, jawing face-to-face in a moment that underscored the growing chippiness in the series.— Peter Sblendorio, New York Daily News, 21 Apr. 2026
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Apple’s changing of the guard with low-key Head of Hardware Engineering, John Ternus, set to replace CEO Tim Cook in a matter of months, launches a new era at the tech giant.— Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 21 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Defensive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.grautoblog.com/thesaurus/defensive. Accessed 23 Apr. 2026.
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