defensive: meaning and words from its letters
9 letters · 16 letter points · starts with D · ends with E
Meaning of defensive
adj
Intended for defence; protective.
Example: a defensive perimeter
Intended to deter attack.
Example: a defensive missile system
Performed so as to minimise risk.
Example: defensive driving
Displaying an inordinate sensitivity to criticism or intrusion; oversensitive; thin-skinned.
Source: Wiktionary — defensive.
noun
A means, attitude or position of defense. Chiefly in on the defensive.
Listed forms: defensives.
Source: Wiktionary — defensive.
Adapted from Wiktionary contributors via Kaikki.org. Selected senses and forms; quotations omitted. Definition text is CC BY-SA 4.0.
Synonyms by meaning
Words are grouped by sense, so they are not necessarily interchangeable in every context. Search synonyms for defensive.
adjective
attempting to justify or defend in speech or writing
- justificative
- justificatory
noun
an attitude of defensiveness
- defensive attitude
Open English WordNet Team, 2025, derived from Princeton University WordNet; selected synonym groups under CC BY 4.0. Source · OEWN notice · Princeton notice.
Is defensive in our word lists?
| Word list | Status |
|---|---|
| American English | Found |
| British English | Found |
| Extended English | Found |
These are spelling-list matches, not official game validity checks. Check the rules and dictionary used by your game.
Letter-value score of defensive
D(2) + E(1) + F(4) + E(1) + N(1) + S(1) + I(1) + V(4) + E(1) = 16 points.
This is a sum of letter values without board bonuses or word multipliers. A blank tile is worth zero: subtract the value of each letter supplied by a blank. The score does not establish game validity. Full letter-value table.
Anagrams of defensive
0 other standard-list words use exactly these letters, including repeated letters.
No other single-word anagram was found in our standard list.
Shorter words from defensive
112 shorter standard-list words can be made using no letter more often than it occurs in defensive. Showing up to 24, longest first.