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.

But they know they can rely on their defensive strengths and that may prove crucial to preventing a chaotic final.

From BBC • Apr. 28, 2026

New war-fighting doctrines emphasized disrupting Soviet supply lines over fighting a defensive war of attrition with the more numerous Soviet army.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 28, 2026

They can focus instead on relatively inexpensive defensive capabilities.

From Barron's • Apr. 27, 2026

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

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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