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.

NBA champions historically rank in the top 10 in both offensive and defensive efficiency, graded as points per 100 possessions.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 16, 2026

Some tried to distinguish between offensive and defensive weapons, with only the latter deemed acceptable.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 16, 2026

Bayern Munich's 4-4-2 defensive block is seen here.

From BBC • Apr. 15, 2026

Instead of going to cash, shift your stock portfolio into the most defensive sectors.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 15, 2026

There’s nothing defensive or obnoxious at all . . . and I wish there was.

From "Keeping Pace" by Laurie Morrison

Vocabulary lists containing defensive

ASVAB Word Knowledge

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ACT Reading Test: Words to Capture Tone, List 2

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Tone and Point of View, List 1

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