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.
European stocks struggled after a strong session on Thursday, as the continent’s more defensively constituted indexes lost out as investors returned to risk.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 18, 2026
Most people, according to Mr. Schore, have what he calls an “ordinary” mindset, leading them to behave defensively in professional settings.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 17, 2026
That substitution was a clever one by Maresca and brave too, because while Ndiaye is better than Cherki defensively, he is also a ball-carrier who travels with the ball better too.
From BBC ● Sep. 13, 2026
Boss Andoni Iraola has plenty of attacking options, but I still have concerns about them defensively, while his players adjust to his front-foot pressing style.
From BBC ● Sep. 3, 2026
Sandi looks up defensively, and then, realizing her sister means a man, not a therapist, she adds, "He's a nice guy, but, I don't know—" She shrugs.
From "How the García Girls Lost Their Accents" by Julia Alvarez
