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.
The strikes marked a “threshold-crossing event” for Gulf air forces, moving from using them in defensive to offensive ways.
From The Wall Street Journal • May 16, 2026
"With our allies, this multinational mission will be defensive, independent, and credible," Healey said in a statement.
From BBC • May 12, 2026
"NATO as a defensive alliance committed to collective security could never be more important than it is today," Anand told AFP in an interview in Brussels.
From Barron's • May 11, 2026
One person present described the mood as "defensive".
From BBC • May 10, 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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