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

Recent Examples on the Web

There's been a bend-but-don't-break trend on the defensive side over the last seven quarters. — ABC News, 5 Oct. 2026

Thybulle made a name for himself on the defensive end of the floor. — Broderick Turner, Los Angeles Times, 4 Oct. 2026

His two-handed touch also translates to blocking shots on the defensive end. — Cj Moore, New York Times, 1 Oct. 2026

Missed a few turnover ops early on on the defensive side, and gave them an opportunity to continue their drives. — Charlotte Observer, 27 Sep. 2026

Rhymes for on the defensive

• counteroffensive
• antihypertensive
• apprehensive
• coextensive
• comprehensive
• hypertensive
• hypotensive
• inexpensive
• inoffensive
• normotensive
• expensive
• extensive