Defensive Synonyms and Antonyms

dĭ-fĕnsĭv
Protective, watchful
(Adjective)
Synonyms:
  1. protective
  2. protecting
  3. defending
  4. shielding
  5. guarding
  6. safeguarding
  7. warding-off
  8. watchful
  9. wary
  10. guarded
  11. preventive
  12. averting
  13. forestalling
  14. foiling
  15. balking
  16. arresting
  17. checking
  18. frustrating
  19. thwarting
  20. opposing
  21. justificative
  22. resistive
  23. withstanding
  24. armored
  25. on-the-defensive
  26. in self-defense
  27. in opposition
  28. self-justifying
  29. touchy
  30. prickly
  31. self-protective
  32. self-defensive
  33. justificatory
  34. self-preservative
Antonyms:
  1. offensive
  2. aggressive
  3. undefensive
  4. unprotective
  5. combative
  6. unwatchful
  7. unwary
An attitude of defensiveness (especially in the phrase `on the defensive')
(Noun)
Synonyms:
  1. defensive attitude

Words Related to Defensive

Related words are words that are directly connected to each other through their meaning, even if they are not synonyms or antonyms. This connection may be general or specific, or the words may appear frequently together.

Defensive Sentence Examples

  • All I know is that he gets defensive when I mention Uncle Fabrice.

  • Every time the subject of your father came up, you got defensive and I backed off because I was afraid of losing you.

  • He emerged from his defensive position, pausing near her.

  • In August 1787 Russia and Austria provoked the Porte to declare war against them both, and two months later a defensive alliance was concluded between Prussia, England and Holland, as a counterpoise to the alarming preponderance of Russia.

  • Thenceforward the Confederacy was purely on the defensive.

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