All defensively synonyms
de·fen·sive
D d adv defensively
- carefully — cautious in one's actions: Be careful when you cross the street.
- at bay — (of a person or animal) forced to turn and face attackers
- on the defensive — If someone is on the defensive, they are trying to protect themselves or their interests because they feel unsure or threatened.
adverb defensively
- sensitively — endowed with sensation; having perception through the senses.
- protectively — having the quality or function of protecting: a protective covering.
- warily — in a wary manner.
- cautiously — showing, using, or characterized by caution: a cautious man; To be cautious is often to show wisdom.
- apologetically — containing an apology or excuse for a fault, failure, insult, injury, etc.: An apologetic letter to his creditors explained the delay.
- suspiciously — tending to cause or excite suspicion; questionable: suspicious behavior.