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defensive

/dɪˈfɛn.sɪv/noun, adjective3 syllables

Defensive means: intended or appropriate for defending against or deterring aggression or attack.

Synonyms for defensive11

noun, as in an attitude of defensiveness

defensive attitude

adjective, as in intended or appropriate for defending against or deterring aggression or attack

antiaircraft, antisubmarine, antitank, defending, en garde, protective

adjective, as in attempting to justify or defend in speech or writing

justificative, justificatory, apologetic, excusatory

Opposites of defensive

offensive

What does defensive mean?3

adjective

1

intended or appropriate for defending against or deterring aggression or attack“defensive weapons”

2

attempting to justify or defend in speech or writing

noun

1

an attitude of defensiveness

Definitions from the Open English WordNet, CC BY 4.0.

What rhymes with defensive?7

four syllables

comprehensiveinexpensiveapprehensive
Show 40 near rhymes
gettingtellingmarriageeffectivewearingweddingparissellinghelpingsettingpresentedelectricspendingintendeddomesticconnectedendingselectedsuggestedacceptedtestingsharingaffectedarrestedsendingacademicdependingperspectivelettingrepresentedprotectedrecommendedheadingtestedattendedimpressiveharrischeckingattemptedexpecting

Defensive in a sentence

  • It's unusual for defensive players to score many goals.Vanilla
  • Narcissists may become enraged or defensive when their ego is threatened.Amastan
  • Rodrigo’s tank has offensive and defensive features.Amastan
  • Kalman put his hands up in a defensive position.Amastan
  • Don't cross your arms. It makes you seem defensive.Hybrid
  • They seemed irritated, but not defensive.Babelball
  • Defensive driving can help you avoid accidents.CK
  • Why are you being so defensive?Spamster

Sentences from Tatoeba, CC BY 2.0 FR, credited to their authors.

Forms of defensive

as a noun

plural
defensives