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.
The Sharks won the league title in Finch’s second year in charge, and his own players marveled at the defensive superpowers he bestowed on them.
From The Wall Street Journal • May 12, 2026
"With our allies, this multinational mission will be defensive, independent, and credible," Healey said in a statement.
From BBC • May 12, 2026
"NATO as a defensive alliance committed to collective security could never be more important than it is today," Anand told AFP in an interview in Brussels.
From Barron's • May 11, 2026
Desperate to avoid the dreaded 3-0 hole, Ayton was limited to 10 points and six rebounds and just one defensive board.
From Los Angeles Times • May 10, 2026
He could have gotten mad or defensive, but instead he just laughed and nudged me on the shoulder, saying, "One day you won't be so critical when it comes to girls."
From "The Boy on the Wooden Box" by Leon Leyson
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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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