DEFENSIVE Synonyms: 24 Similar and Opposite Words

defensive 1 of 2

adjective

di-ˈfen(t)-siv

Definition of defensive

as in protective

intended to resist or prevent attack or aggression a defensive alliance among the small nations against the aggressors

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

defensive

2 of 2

noun

as in guard

a position of readiness to oppose actual or expected attack their unexpectedly harsh words put him on the defensive

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

offensive

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of defensive

Adjective

Defensively, Philadelphia will also be without pass rusher Nolan Smith (concussion) and defensive back Michael Carter (abdomen) after they were ruled out. — Nick Harris, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 24 Oct. 2026 For this week, however, Morris is an evil stepsibling, the 49ers’ defensive coordinator trying to slow down Robinson and the Falcons’ offense. — Daniel Flick, AJC.com, 24 Oct. 2026

Noun

The selling in recent days, however, has intensified on worries about the AI trade, making the likes of Micron among our biggest losers week-to-date and defensives such as Cardinal Health among our biggest weekly winners. — Alexa Lomonaco, CNBC, 15 Oct. 2026 In a region win against a squad that featured one of the top 100 prospects in the country in Winder-Barrow defensive back Giovanni Tuggle, Robinson went for 100 yards — 48 on the ground, 52 on the air, with eight catches. — Mcclain Baxley For The Ajc, AJC.com, 12 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for defensive

Recent Examples of Synonyms for defensive

Adjective

Potential equipment includes protective vests and goggles for working dogs.

— Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 23 Oct. 2026
Meta also uses a protective system called Sentinel to control certain actions involving outside services.

— Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 23 Oct. 2026

Definition of protective

Noun

But with the Heat in search of offense and outside shooting, Heat rookie guard Ryan Conwell was called on to play the first meaningful minutes of his NBA career.

— Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 25 Oct. 2026
His coronation signaled where the genre was headed—away from the pleading old-guard types and toward a more fluid, hardcore hip-hop hybrid.

— Clover Hope, Pitchfork, 25 Oct. 2026

Definition of guard

Browse Nearby Words

defensible

defensive

defensives

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Defensive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/defensive. Accessed 28 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of defensive

adjective

noun

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

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