37
strong(adjective, strain, firmness, labour, hardiness)
21
conservative(adjective, strain, firmness, watchful, labour)
19
resist(verb, adjective, strain, firmness, labour)
19
rigid(adjective, strain, firmness, labour, hardiness)
17
withstanding(adjective, strain, firmness, watchful, labour)
12
protective(adjective, caring, sheltered, obstructive, defending)
11
preventive(adjective, alert, careful, attentive, watchful)
8
defending(adjective, alert, caring, hostile, counter)
7
justificative
7
watchful(adjective, alert, careful, caring, attentive)
6
guarding(adjective, alert, caring, watchful, sheltered)
6
justificatory
6
protecting(adjective, alert, caring, watchful, sheltered)
5
shielding(adjective, caring, sheltered, defending, protective)
3
apologetic
3
cautious(adjective, adverb, alert, careful, attentive)
3
safeguarding(adjective, watchful, protective)
3
sheltering
3
wary(adjective, alert, careful, attentive, protective)
3
careful(adjective, alert, caring, attentive, sheltered)
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APASmart Define. (2015). defensive thesaurus. Retrieved September 22, 2026, from https://smartdefine.org/defensive/thesaurus/synonyms
ChicagoSmart Define. 2015. "defensive thesaurus" https://smartdefine.org/defensive/thesaurus/synonyms (accessed September 22, 2026).
HarvardSmart Define 2015, defensive thesaurus, Smart Define, viewed 22 September, 2026, <https://smartdefine.org/defensive/thesaurus/synonyms>.
MLASmart Define. "defensive thesaurus" 10 April 2015. Web. 22 September 2026. <https://smartdefine.org/defensive/thesaurus/synonyms>