on the 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.
But he’s most proud of the work he’s put in on the defensive side.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 3, 2026
Lastly, defense stocks in general shouldn’t be on the defensive at this moment: Jamie Dimon, CEO of JPMorgan Chase, has committed $10 billion External link of the bank’s capital to invest in defense-related companies.
From Barron's ● Jun. 30, 2026
He added that investors were right to go on the defensive.
From MarketWatch ● Jun. 17, 2026
In a combative setting, Vance can dismantle an argument, redirect a question and put his interlocutor on the defensive.
From Salon ● Jun. 17, 2026
Mangelsdorf’s side found itself on the defensive; litis had gleefully pointed out that the “wild maize” cobs from the Tehuacan Valley were identical to those of an unusual, fully domesticated variety of popcorn from Argentina.
From "1491" by Charles C. Mann
