defensively

ADVERB

suspiciously

Synonyms

WEAK

at bay carefully in self-defense on the defensive

Antonyms

WEAK

offensively

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.

Defensively, he could be caught out but he more than delivered and often in big moments.

From BBC • Apr. 22, 2026

Defensively, they faced the fifth most shots, fourth most shots on target and conceded the second most xG.

From BBC • Mar. 29, 2026

"Defensively we were excellent," said England coach Steve Borthwick.

From Barron's • Feb. 7, 2026

Defensively, Hayes added two steals, two rebounds and a block Friday.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 3, 2026

Defensively, Joe protested, “If I don’t do it, he’ll just get somebody else.”

From "The Milagro Beanfield War" by John Nichols