defensively

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.

He’s a 24-year-old, defensively adept big man who would be a great pickup, just hard to get.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 28, 2026

Panama are an 'in-between' version of Ghana and Croatia defensively and may have more success if they adopt a style closer to that of the Africans against England.

From BBC • Jun. 27, 2026

But for large parts England lacked inspiration and they also faced several anxious moments from Ghana counter-attacks in the second half as defensively vulnerability reappeared.

From BBC • Jun. 24, 2026

The point was that Bush lacked “moral courage,” Mr. Trudeau explained defensively, though more than a few readers must have tittered at the cruelty of his word choice.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 19, 2026

“I did not send you, I suggested it,” Clare said, somewhat defensively.

From "The Undead Fox of Deadwood Forest" by Aubrey Hartman