defensive
adjective
serving to defend; protective.
defensively
-
a word derived from
defensive.
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.
After setting the tone defensively against the Kings, forwards Ziaire Williams and Matisse Thybulle watched from the sideline Tuesday.
From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 7, 2026
The Scots led at half-time through Ryan Christie's close-range backheel, but were alarmingly open defensively and second-half goals from Danijel Sturm and Aljosa Matko turned the game on its head.
From BBC ● Oct. 6, 2026
Although the Dodgers committed the second-fewest errors and gave up the fewest unearned runs this season, they haven’t looked sharp defensively in the postseason, with all three Atlanta runs Sunday coming with two outs.
From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 5, 2026
The indignity and grime of poverty, the constant close proximity, the competitive scramble for decreasing amounts of writing time made them hunker defensively.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 1, 2026
“He’s a very strong young man,” Angela said defensively.
From "Found" by Margaret Peterson Haddix
