as in protective
intended to resist or prevent attack or aggression
a defensive alliance among the small nations against the aggressors
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Recent Examples of defensive
Omar Kelly, Miami Herald, 24 July 2025
The loose ball was picked up by defensive end Zion Young, who scored the eventual game-winning touchdown.
—Quentin Corpuel, Kansas City Star, 24 July 2025
Los Angeles Times, 10 July 2025
The junior earned second-team All-Alpha League honors in ’24.
Chargers coach Jeff Grady said Teo Hampton is another wide receiver/defensive back to watch.
—Dan Albano, Oc Register, 11 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for defensive
Adjective
There are currently 18 NFL defensive linemen who earn more than that $16 million in one season.
—Omar Kelly, Miami Herald, 24 July 2025
The loose ball was picked up by defensive end Zion Young, who scored the eventual game-winning touchdown.
—Quentin Corpuel, Kansas City Star, 24 July 2025
Noun
And the administration has put the city on the defensive in a suit over the legality of its sanctuary city policy.
—Los Angeles Times, 10 July 2025
The junior earned second-team All-Alpha League honors in ’24.
Chargers coach Jeff Grady said Teo Hampton is another wide receiver/defensive back to watch.
—Dan Albano, Oc Register, 11 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for defensive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for defensive
guard
Noun
-
Bringing in a guard who can make that kind of an impact would be of interest to most teams around the NBA.—
Evan Massey,
MSNBC Newsweek,
14 July 2025
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In the four photos, the Indiana Fever guard and the former Iowa men's basketball star are seen happily posing at various venues, including at one of her games.—
Anna Lazarus Caplan,
People.com,
14 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Defensive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/defensive. Accessed 29 Jul. 2025.
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