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.

Bursa remains a defensive safe-haven play, with stronger earnings potentially reviving expectations for special dividends, he adds.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 4, 2026

“Project Freedom is a defensive operation, and we have deployed anti-ballistic missile destroyers,” he added.

From Los Angeles Times • May 4, 2026

Emery's teamsheet included defensive trio Ezri Konsa, Pau Torres and Lucas Digne, as well as top scorer Ollie Watkins, dropped to the bench.

From BBC • May 3, 2026

Also, renewed yen strength following Japan’s intervention could tighten financial conditions globally via carry-trade unwinding, a development that could further support defensive assets such as gold,” the head of Commodity Strategy adds.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 3, 2026

But it’s defensive, and we both know it.

From "Odd One Out" by Nic Stone

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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