defensively

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.

He’s a 24-year-old, defensively adept big man who would be a great pickup, just hard to get.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 28, 2026

The point was that Bush lacked “moral courage,” Mr. Trudeau explained defensively, though more than a few readers must have tittered at the cruelty of his word choice.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 19, 2026

But defensively poor and too reliant on ageing stars.

From BBC • Jun. 18, 2026

But being weaker defensively than we are offensively doesn't mean that we are not capable of winning it, if the luck goes our way.

From BBC • Jun. 10, 2026

When he just looked at me like if he stared hard enough my head would catch on fire, I threw up my hands defensively.

From "Glitch" by Laura Martin