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Showing results for defensive. Search instead for defensivene.
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.

“Project Glasswing is an urgent attempt to put these capabilities to work for defensive purposes.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 8, 2026

In a “risk-on” market, investors rush to buy up stocks that had been especially beaten down during prior bouts of defensive posturing, noted Cantor Fitzgerald’s C.J.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 8, 2026

In a statement after Trump's ceasefire message, Iranian foreign minister Seyed Aragchi said that Iran would halt its "defensive operations" and allow safe passage through the Hormuz "via coordination with Iran's armed forces".

From BBC • Apr. 7, 2026

The AI start-up added that Project Glasswing is “an urgent attempt to put these capabilities to work for defensive purposes.”

From Barron's • Apr. 7, 2026

“I just told him to go outside and enjoy the day,” Ophie said, feeling a little defensive.

From "Ophie's Ghosts" by Justina Ireland