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Is DEFENSIVE a valid Scrabble word?

Yes, DEFENSIVE is a valid word in US Scrabble and UK Scrabble, worth 16 points.

Base score before bonus squares; blank tiles score zero.

What does DEFENSIVE mean?

  1. adjective

    intended or appropriate for defending against or deterring aggression or attack

    “defensive weapons”

  2. adjective

    attempting to justify or defend in speech or writing

  3. noun

    an attitude of defensiveness (especially in the phrase `on the defensive')

Definitions from WordNet 3.1, Princeton University.

Points

16

Scrabble

18

Words With Friends

9

Letters

D (2) + E (1) + F (4) + E (1) + N (1) + S (1) + I (1) + V (4) + E (1) = 16 points in Scrabble.

Dictionary status

  • Scrabble (US & Canada)Valid
  • Scrabble (UK & worldwide)Valid
  • Words With FriendsListed

Scrabble lists: NWL2023 (US & Canada) and CSW24 (UK & worldwide). WWF uses our ENABLE reference plus verified additions. “Listed” and “Not listed” describe that reference; check acceptance in the game. Sources reviewed 2026-10-03.

Hooks for DEFENSIVE

Single letters that turn DEFENSIVE into another valid word in US Scrabble. Hooks let you extend a word already on the board.

Front hooks0

None — nothing can be added to the front.

Back hooks1

Words you can make from DEFENSIVE

The 60 highest-scoring words using these letters.

Study DEFENSIVE and related words

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