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

Examples Sentences

Recent Examples of defensive

Adjective

One is a bubbly blonde princess, vain and entitled and yet to discover her tender heart, and the other a defensive outsider, regarded as a freak because she was born with bright green skin but possessed of formidable powers. —David Rooney, The Hollywood Reporter, 19 Nov. 2024

But he was caught from behind by defensive back Devin Grant, something that would have been hard to imagine a year ago. —Jeff Faraudo, The Mercury News, 16 Nov. 2024

Noun

With multiple candidates poised to ascend to seats in the House of Representatives this voting block is set to add a significant voice in support of an industry that been continuously on the defensive under the Biden Administration and SEC chair Gary Gensler. —Sean Stein Smith, Forbes, 25 Oct. 2024

The opposition is already pinned back inside its own half, which puts them on the defensive. —Steve Price, Forbes, 13 Oct. 2024