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.

It said in response in that the missile tests "constitute routine and planned self-defensive measures taken by a sovereign state to defend the national security".

From Reuters • May 31, 2023

With apologies to Tracee Ellis Ross and Leslie Jordan, Tuesday morning’s Oscar nominations show was a ridiculous, self-defensive mess and, as it turns out, completely unnecessary.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 8, 2022

Despite her self-defensive inclination towards burning bridges, Mitski’s ability and desire to write songs that people connect with has won out.

From The Guardian • Aug. 23, 2018

He has chosen to challenge the quality of the bricks that built those crumbling walls, and he can’t be “astonished” at the self-defensive reaction.

From New York Times • Feb. 3, 2018

Pope replied in a manly but self-defensive style.

From The Poetical Works of Alexander Pope, Volume 1 by Gilfillan, George