on the defensive

phrase

: in the state or condition of being prepared or required to defend against attack or criticism
keeping his political opponent on the defensive

Examples of on the defensive in a Sentence

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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.
And there were plenty of disruptions made on the defensive side of the ball, with UC Davis commit Tahj Skinner playing his dual role as quarterback and defensive back. — Ethan Hanson, Daily News, 27 Aug. 2026 Willy Kurniawan | Reuters Indonesia may have trouble meeting its economic-growth goals for the coming year, after spending 2026 on the defensive amid questions about fiscal outlays and the prospects of a downgrade from MSCI. — Celestine Iyer, CNBC, 26 Aug. 2026 Dallas cleaned house on the defensive coaching staff, hiring 34-year-old defensive backs coach Christian Parker from Philadelphia as their new coordinator. — David Troy Outkick, FOXNews.com, 26 Aug. 2026 And Dunham appears to be no higher than fourth on the defensive end depth chart. — Pete Sampson, New York Times, 26 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for on the defensive

Rhymes for on the defensive

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Browse Nearby Words

on the decrease
on the defensive
on the diagonal
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Cite this Entry

“On the defensive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/on%20the%20defensive. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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