Synonyms of defensive

defensive 1 of 2

adjective

di-ˈfen(t)-siv 

as in protective

intended to resist or prevent attack or aggression

a defensive alliance among the small nations against the aggressors

Synonyms & Similar Words

• protective
• self-protective
• preventive
• deterrent
• secure
• safe

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• offensive
• aggressive
• belligerent
• warlike
• combative
• militant
• contentious
• pugnacious
• quarrelsome
• truculent
• bellicose
• in-your-face
• scrappy

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

• guard
• lookout
• alert
• watch
• qui vive

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• offensive

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of defensive

Adjective

Nohl Williams and Marcus Harris. Also participating at the combine was defensive end Oluwafemi Oladejo, who transferred from Cal to UCLA and tied for the fifth-best vertical jump (36 ½ inches). —Cam Inman, The Mercury News, 28 Feb. 2025

However, earlier this week, Browns general manager Andrew Berry insisted the team is not interested in trading the star defensive end. —Ryan Morik, Fox News, 28 Feb. 2025

Noun

Black said Moscow had upped its targeting of encrypted messaging apps around the invasion’s first anniversary in the spring of 2023, with Ukraine’s counteroffensive on the horizon and Russia on the defensive. —Thomas Brewster, Forbes, 19 Feb. 2025

Just two hours after confirming her relationship with record producer Benny Blanco, Selena Gomez was on the defensive, arguing with fans on Instagram who didn’t think Blanco, 36, was a good match for the 31-year-old. —Sam Reed, Glamour, 14 Feb. 2025