defensive

[dih-fen-siv] / dɪˈfɛn sɪv /

ADJECTIVE

protective, watchful

Synonyms

STRONGEST

opposing

STRONG

averting conservative foiling forestalling preservative preventive thwarting

WEAK

arresting balking checking coping with defending frustrating guarding in opposition interrupting protecting resistive safeguarding uptight warding off withstanding

Antonyms

WEAK

undefensive unprotective unwary unwatchful

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 for defensive end Myles Garrett, there was history on the line: the NFL’s sack record.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 2, 2026

Berkshire is a cash-rich defensive stock in what is a risk-on, technology dominated market.

From Barron's • Jun. 1, 2026

Garrett, 30, is a nine-year veteran, five-time All-Pro and two-time defensive player of the year.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 1, 2026

This will only apply to attacking fouls, and not to defensive fouls for holding or pulling.

From BBC • May 31, 2026

At the remark, both of his siblings sank into defensive crouches and began to whimper.

From "The Hidden Gallery" by Maryrose Wood

Vocabulary lists containing defensive

ASVAB Word Knowledge

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ACT Reading Test: Words to Capture Tone, List 2

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Tone and Point of View, List 1

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