Thesaurus.com
Dictionary.com
Definitions

on the defensive

ADJECTIVE
uptight
Synonyms
STRONGEST
anxious apprehensive cautious edgy nervous uneasy
WEAK
concerned conventional nervy old-fashioned on edge restive strict tense troubled withdrawn worried
Antonyms
STRONGEST
calm composed easygoing laid-back unworried
WEAK
collected cool
ADVERB
defensively
Synonyms
WEAK
at bay carefully in self-defense
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.

“I think we’re still continuing to get better in that… It’s not about whether shots go in. It’s about how we’re consistently playing and on the defensive end.”

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 30, 2026

That leaves Baltimore with an elite talent on the defensive line—along with both of the first-round picks that they were set to send to Las Vegas.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 11, 2026

It wasn’t going to be easy against a Knicks team that’s one of the NBA’s best on the defensive end.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 8, 2026

However, with major patents set to expire in 2028, Merck must be on the defensive.

From Barron's • Feb. 25, 2026

They went back and forth all day, Kennedy on the defensive, Khrushchev hammering away.

From "Fallout: Spies, Superbombs, and the Ultimate Cold War Showdown" by Steve Sheinkin