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.

This impaired their ability to send information about appropriate defensive responses to other parts of the brain.

From Science Daily • Apr. 4, 2026

In a grueling defensive slugfest with fellow No. 1-seed Texas, the Bruins won 51-44 to advance to Sunday’s national championship game against South Carolina.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 4, 2026

Combine that with slowing U.S. economic growth, and it’s no wonder investors are getting defensive.

From Barron's • Apr. 2, 2026

For investors seeking out safer bets this year, the defensive nature of the wireless sector has held appeal.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 2, 2026

To the Soviet leadership, put on the defensive by Reagan's belligerent rhetoric and by the suspicious information collected by Operation RYaN, the maneuvers seemed terrifyingly real.

From "Spies: The Secret Showdown Between America and Russia" by Marc Favreau