as in guardian
someone that protects
one of the traditional roles of an older brother is that of schoolyard defender
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of defender
Clark, coming off a 32-point performance in a victory at Chicago, was played aggressively most of the night by Leila Lecan, Connecticut’s top defender, and turned it over six times.
—
Dom Amore, Hartford Courant, 14 June 2026
Its best player in Real Madrid defender David Alaba, a four-time Champions League winner and 10-time Austrian footballer of the year.
—Los Angeles Times, 14 June 2026
Julian Nagelsmann’s priority must be to play in a compact way that stops chances developing and prevents defenders facing individual battles against strong attackers.
—Philipp Lahm, New York Times, 14 June 2026
The Dutch are favored to advance out of the group stage, but the team has struggled with injuries; defender Jurrien Timber has already left because of a groin injury and goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen is nursing a recent hip injury.
—Steven Rosenbaum, CBS News, 14 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for defender
Dom Amore, Hartford Courant, 14 June 2026
Its best player in Real Madrid defender David Alaba, a four-time Champions League winner and 10-time Austrian footballer of the year.
—Los Angeles Times, 14 June 2026
Julian Nagelsmann’s priority must be to play in a compact way that stops chances developing and prevents defenders facing individual battles against strong attackers.
—Philipp Lahm, New York Times, 14 June 2026
The Dutch are favored to advance out of the group stage, but the team has struggled with injuries; defender Jurrien Timber has already left because of a groin injury and goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen is nursing a recent hip injury.
—Steven Rosenbaum, CBS News, 14 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for defender
Recent Examples of Synonyms for defender
Noun
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In places where the program is active, parents and legal guardians who are verified riders can create accounts for teens.—
Don Sweeney,
Sacbee.com,
10 June 2026
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Her guardian would love for Sophie to have another adult in her life who can be there for her and support her.—
Pioneer Press,
Twin Cities,
9 June 2026
Noun
-
Augusta is not a custodian or depository itself.—
Amy DeYoung,
USA Today,
7 June 2026
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While no one has been named, the deceased student was identified to KCRA as a custodian undertaking a work-study program at the school.—
Samira Asma-Sadeque,
PEOPLE,
5 June 2026
Noun
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There could also be a positive version of that on the left, which is the protector model of masculinity.—
Hanna Rosin,
The Atlantic,
11 June 2026
-
The first dogs served as early-warning systems, protectors, and hunting buddies.—
Shoshi Parks,
Popular Science,
10 June 2026
Noun
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The alleged threat is portrayed as undermining First Amendment protections for freedom of association, which concerns the ability of groups to engage in expression and group activities without government interference.—
Michael McCann,
Sportico.com,
15 June 2026
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But Larsen said shipping lines also need clarity on matters such as keeping ships a safe distance from each other and naval protection.—
Chris Isidore,
CNN Money,
15 June 2026
Noun
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In the video, which did not have audio, Solange was seen kicking and punching Jay-Z as a bodyguard attempted to restrain her.—
Ashley Hume,
FOXNews.com,
8 Dec. 2025
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Harry was stripped of his Metropolitan Police bodyguards in 2020 after quitting royal duties and has been on a quest to get them back ever since.—
Jack Royston,
MSNBC Newsweek,
8 Dec. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Defender.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/defender. Accessed 18 Jun. 2026.
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