Synonyms/Hypernyms (Ordered by Estimated Frequency) of noun defensive

1 sense of defensive

Sense 1
defensive, defensive attitude -- (an attitude of defensiveness (especially in the phrase `on the defensive'))
       => attitude, mental attitude -- (a complex mental state involving beliefs and feelings and values and dispositions to act in certain ways; "he had the attitude that work was fun")

Antonyms of adj defensive

2 senses of defensive

Sense 1
defensive (vs. offensive) -- (intended or appropriate for defending against or deterring aggression or attack; "defensive weapons"; "a defensive stance")

offensive (vs. defensive) -- (for the purpose of attack rather than defense; "offensive weapons")
        => antipersonnel -- (designed to inflict death or personal injury rather than material destruction)
        => assaultive, attacking (prenominal) -- (disposed to attack)
        => hit-and-run, tip-and-run -- (designed for or consisting of a brief attack followed by a quick escape; "hit-and-run units"; "tip-and-run assaults")
        => incursive, invading, invasive -- (involving invasion or aggressive attack; "invasive war")
        => marauding, predatory, raiding -- (characterized by plundering or pillaging or marauding; "bands of marauding Indians"; "predatory warfare"; "a raiding party")
        => on the offensive (predicate) -- (actively attacking)

Sense 2
defensive, justificative, justificatory -- (attempting to justify or defend in speech or writing)

INDIRECT (VIA apologetic) -> unapologetic -- (unwilling to make or express an apology; "an unapologetic believer")

Similarity of adj defensive

2 senses of defensive

Sense 1
defensive (vs. offensive) -- (intended or appropriate for defending against or deterring aggression or attack; "defensive weapons"; "a defensive stance")
       => antiaircraft -- (designed for defense from a surface position against air attack)
       => antisubmarine -- (defensive against enemy submarines)
       => antitank -- (designed for defense against armored vehicles)
       => defending -- (attempting to or designed to prevent an opponent from winning or scoring)
       => en garde -- ((fencing) in a defensive stance)
          Also See-> protective#1

Sense 2
defensive, justificative, justificatory -- (attempting to justify or defend in speech or writing)
       => apologetic (vs. unapologetic), excusatory -- (offering or expressing apology; "an apologetic note"; "an apologetic manner")