as in protective
intended to resist or prevent attack or aggression
a defensive alliance among the small nations against the aggressors
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Recent Examples of defensive
Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 23 Apr. 2026
On March 24, Reign announced the additions of two high school clients: David Gray, a wide receiver from Stockton, Calif., and Achilles Reyna, a defensive lineman from Seattle.
—Daniel Libit, Sportico.com, 22 Apr. 2026
Arnie Stapleton, Chicago Tribune, 11 Apr. 2026
That includes safety Emmanuel McNeil-Warren of Toledo, whom NFL draft analyst Daniel Jeremiah rates as the 16th-best prospect in the draft, and San Diego State defensive back Chris Johnson, whom Jeremiah ranks 40th.
—ABC News, 9 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for defensive
Adjective
Tyrone Poole, a key defensive back throughout the Panthers’ first golden era.
—Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 23 Apr. 2026
On March 24, Reign announced the additions of two high school clients: David Gray, a wide receiver from Stockton, Calif., and Achilles Reyna, a defensive lineman from Seattle.
—Daniel Libit, Sportico.com, 22 Apr. 2026
Noun
That includes safety Emmanuel McNeil-Warren of Toledo, whom NFL draft analyst Daniel Jeremiah rates as the 16th-best prospect in the draft, and San Diego State defensive back Chris Johnson, whom Jeremiah ranks 40th.
—Arnie Stapleton, Chicago Tribune, 11 Apr. 2026
That includes safety Emmanuel McNeil-Warren of Toledo, whom NFL draft analyst Daniel Jeremiah rates as the 16th-best prospect in the draft, and San Diego State defensive back Chris Johnson, whom Jeremiah ranks 40th.
—ABC News, 9 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for defensive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for defensive
Adjective
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Using advanced sensors and robotic manipulation, these nuclear nomads can perform inspections and repairs that previously required massive protective gear and strict time limits.—
Mrigakshi Dixit,
Interesting Engineering,
29 Apr. 2026
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The supplement has been touted for its protective benefits, derived from its key component, omega-3 fatty acids.—
Khloe Quill,
FOXNews.com,
29 Apr. 2026
Noun
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The Magic guard opened 3-for-4 from beyond the arc, hitting two 3-pointers in the final three minutes of the second quarter.—
Jason Beede,
The Orlando Sentinel,
28 Apr. 2026
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Much like former head coach Tom Thibodeau, Mike Brown prefers to use McBride off the ball as a spot-up shooter — but also as a guard-to-guard screen setter.—
Kristian Winfield,
New York Daily News,
28 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Defensive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/defensive. Accessed 2 May. 2026.
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