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.
The indignity and grime of poverty, the constant close proximity, the competitive scramble for decreasing amounts of writing time made them hunker defensively.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 1, 2026
European stocks struggled after a strong session on Thursday, as the continent’s more defensively constituted indexes lost out as investors returned to risk.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 18, 2026
They are brave going forward, but they are also street-wise defensively and can see out a game when they have to, time-wasting or not.
From BBC ● Sep. 17, 2026
Some on social media, however, raised concerns about the danger Wendy might have posed to pets, and argued it was possible someone shot at her defensively.
From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 9, 2026
“Ignatius says he’s making good at Levy Pants,” Mrs. Reilly said defensively.
From "A Confederacy of Dunces" by John Kennedy Toole
