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Definitions

defensive

[dih-fen-siv] / dɪˈfɛn sɪv /
ADJECTIVE
protective, watchful
Synonyms
STRONGEST
opposing
STRONG
averting conservative foiling forestalling preservative preventive thwarting
WEAK
arresting balking checking coping with defending frustrating guarding in opposition interrupting protecting resistive safeguarding uptight warding off withstanding
Antonyms
WEAK
undefensive unprotective unwary unwatchful

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

At the same time, individual investors have started to favor defensive bets like bonds.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 6, 2026

On Saturday, a pair of defensive mistakes led to two Minnesota United goals and a 2-1 loss that extended the Galaxy’s winless streak to four games in league play.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 5, 2026

But cracks began to appear around 2022–23, as back-to-back seasons without major silverware and early European exits sparked doubts over whether the club's famed defensive approach had grown predictable.

From BBC • Apr. 4, 2026

This impaired their ability to send information about appropriate defensive responses to other parts of the brain.

From Science Daily • Apr. 4, 2026

She puts her hands up in a defensive way.

From "Ask the Passengers" by A.S. King

From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.