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.

Monique Boone was the varsity defensive line and assistant offensive line coach in 2021 under previous head coach Corey Thedford.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 18, 2026

While equities have remained supported, the strength in defensive assets points to a market far from complacent, underscoring the importance of watching intermarket signals for clues on what comes next.

From Barron's • Apr. 18, 2026

"This will be strictly peaceful and defensive, as a mission to reassure commercial shipping and support mine clearance," he said alongside French President Emmanuel Macron.

From BBC • Apr. 17, 2026

If adversaries can identify exploitable weaknesses at machine speed, the traditional defensive model—detect, investigate and respond—is under far greater strain than most admit.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 17, 2026

But before I could blow my cover by sputtering something defensive, Katie saved me.

From "Liar, Liar" by Gary Paulsen

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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