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.
Despite his track record of mediocre offense—he has lifetime .257 batting average with a .674 OPS—his defensive versatility and his positive clubhouse presence have made him attractive as a utility man.
From The Wall Street Journal • May 15, 2026
Marcus Smart, a locker room leader and their best defensive player, also has a player option for next season at $5.3 million.
From Los Angeles Times • May 12, 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
He could have gotten mad or defensive, but instead he just laughed and nudged me on the shoulder, saying, "One day you won't be so critical when it comes to girls."
From "The Boy on the Wooden Box" by Leon Leyson
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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