defensive
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.
When he played for Ajax, he was criticized for his “poor ball handling and unorthodox style” by legends such as Wesley Sneijder, who called him “the worst defensive player in the Dutch league.”
From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 7, 2026
The first time Guardiola decided to move Messi away from the wing was for defensive reasons.
From BBC • Jun. 7, 2026
Allowed to innovate, to make battlefield adjustments, and to resist the urge to abandon strong defensive positions, they have imposed devastating casualties on the Russians, who are seriously wanting in tactical agility.
From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 7, 2026
The S&P 500 ended a nine-week winning streak, declining 2.7% as investors rotated from momentum to defensive stocks.
From Barron's • Jun. 5, 2026
A riposte unsettles your opponent, signaling aggression, quickness, and both defensive and offensive power.
From "Black Brother, Black Brother" by Jewell Parker Rhodes
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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