defensive
Example Sentences
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On the streets of the capital Tirana, protesters have cited the project to air grievances about unchecked power, environmental degradation and real-estate development, putting the country’s Prime Minister Edi Rama on the defensive.
From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 11, 2026
In the one debate he participated in, Pratt put Bass on the defensive, turned Raman into a tongue-tied mess, kept his answers sharp and relatable, and even earned the praise of the moderators.
From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 10, 2026
Infrastructure is a unique asset class offering demand growth, defensive properties, and inflation-linked, above-average yields.
From Barron's • Jun. 10, 2026
He spent last season on loan at Hamburg not only forging a reputation as a commanding central defensive presence but also popping up with six goals.
From BBC • Jun. 9, 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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