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.
“However, as volatility increased during the back half of the quarter, clients took a slightly more defensive posture,” Verdeschi said, according to a FactSet transcript.
From MarketWatch • Apr. 16, 2026
NBA champions historically rank in the top 10 in both offensive and defensive efficiency, graded as points per 100 possessions.
From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 16, 2026
But when Madrid got into Bayern's half, we saw this man-to-man tactic shift into a more structured defensive shape that moved between 4-4-2 and 5-2-3.
From BBC • Apr. 15, 2026
“That leaves the market in an uncomfortable but potentially constructive middle ground: cautious enough to be defensive, but not so fearful that it cannot respond to better news.”
From Barron's • Apr. 15, 2026
A riposte unsettles your opponent, signaling aggression, quickness, and both defensive and offensive power.
From "Black Brother, Black Brother" by Jewell Parker Rhodes
Vocabulary lists containing defensive
ASVAB Word Knowledge
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
ACT Reading Test: Words to Capture Tone, List 2
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
Tone and Point of View, List 1
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
