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.
Once on the offensive, in most places across Myanmar the resistance is now on the defensive.
From BBC • Jun. 9, 2026
But to nearly everyone’s astonishment, Mr. Niemann, the 19-year-old John McEnroe of chess, has put the normally unflappable Mr. Carlsen, playing the white pieces, on the defensive.
From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 3, 2026
“Really happy for him on a personal level. But also just for our team, he’s brought a really high level of consistency, particularly on the defensive end, and with his effort throughout the season.”
From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 13, 2026
He’s staying on the defensive until oil flows normalize, betting on companies with strong balance sheets and those involved in the AI infrastructure buildout, such as John Deere, Caterpillar, and HVAC-maker Johnson Controls.
From Barron's • Apr. 12, 2026
The pictures and writeups sometimes put us on the defensive in school and among our friends.
From "Cheaper by the Dozen" by Frank B. Gilbreth Jr. and Ernestine Gilbreth Carey
