defensives

Definition of defensivesnext
plural of defensive
as in guards
a position of readiness to oppose actual or expected attack their unexpectedly harsh words put him on the defensive

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of defensives There remains a rotation underway – financials over tech , value over growth , defensives over high-beta stocks – simply not enough to hold the indexes harmless. Michael Santoli, CNBC, 17 Dec. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for defensives
Noun
  • The team’s mean average height is 6-foot-4 due to the notable shortness of main rotation guards Tre Jones (6-foot-1) and Rob Dillingham (6-foot-2) and two-way guards Yuki Kawamura (5-foot-7) and Mac McClung (6-foot-2).
    Colleen Kane, Chicago Tribune, 10 Feb. 2026
  • The team is paying a ton of money to starting guards Damien Lewis and Robert Hunt, so Zavala’s only avenue for playing time is as backup insurance.
    Mike Kaye February 10, Charlotte Observer, 10 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • Meanwhile, White and Mordon placed Register in one of their two rental cars with Aristil and Tillman acting as lookouts.
    Angie DiMichele, Sun Sentinel, 7 Feb. 2026
  • There are now 85 villas hidden away among Mustique’s coves and hilltop lookouts, each developed by a private owner.
    Flora Stubbs, Travel + Leisure, 5 Feb. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Defensives.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/defensives. Accessed 15 Feb. 2026.

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