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.

Retail investors have also been trading defensive sectors — including consumer staples, utilities and real estate — more actively, according to Citi’s data.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 27, 2026

Investors are seeking defensive moats in vertical software, and in horizontal-software products that control workflow, to withstand AI competition.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 26, 2026

Those roles suited the more physical wingers and protected the less defensive Haaland and Cherki.

From BBC • Apr. 25, 2026

The team typically carries five or six defensive linemen, and Barrett joins a group that includes Teair Tart, Jamaree Caldwell and Dalvin Tomlinson.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 25, 2026

As German troops tried to cross the Meuse River and storm the defensive forts, the Belgians opened fire and drove them back.

From "The War to End All Wars: World War I" by Russell Freedman

Vocabulary lists containing defensive

ASVAB Word Knowledge

Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!

ACT Reading Test: Words to Capture Tone, List 2

Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!

Tone and Point of View, List 1

Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!