as in vulnerable
lacking protection from danger or resistance against attack
the lack of warm clothing left the hikers defenseless against the unexpected cold snap
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Recent Examples of defenseless
White warmly greeted the controversial Tate brothers, Andrew and Tristan, at an event in Las Vegas for Power Slap—another combat-sports offering, founded by White in 2022, involving one person striking their defenseless opponent with all their might.
—
Sean Gregory, Time, 26 May 2026
This was not a case of a fighter taking free shots while defenseless.
—Brian Mazique, Forbes.com, 26 May 2026
If one bomb hit just right, all military communications could go down, leaving the entire country essentially defenseless.
—Laura Isensee, Scientific American, 18 May 2026
By contrast, the publication of his translation of Kafka in Italian in the spring of 1983 left him feeling empty, helpless, defenseless.
—Literary Hub, 13 May 2026
The play was widely denounced after Greig bloodied a defenseless Walker with an uppercut to the face while Walker was held in a headlock by another Senators player.
—James Mirtle, New York Times, 27 Apr. 2026
Javier Cabello, founder of the Chiloé Silvestre NGO, has warned that the species’ small size leaves it especially defenseless in these situations — particularly in areas where roads cut through forest habitat.
—Ryan Brennan, Sacbee.com, 24 Apr. 2026
Vegas' Mitch Marner skated into the high slot and his shot ricocheted off two Dallas players and landed near Smith, who scored from close range past a defenseless Casey DeSmith.
—CBS News, 22 Mar. 2026
Rules that protect defenseless players should be followed and enforced to the letter of the law.
—Sean Keeler, Denver Post, 11 Mar. 2026
Sean Gregory, Time, 26 May 2026
This was not a case of a fighter taking free shots while defenseless.
—Brian Mazique, Forbes.com, 26 May 2026
If one bomb hit just right, all military communications could go down, leaving the entire country essentially defenseless.
—Laura Isensee, Scientific American, 18 May 2026
By contrast, the publication of his translation of Kafka in Italian in the spring of 1983 left him feeling empty, helpless, defenseless.
—Literary Hub, 13 May 2026
The play was widely denounced after Greig bloodied a defenseless Walker with an uppercut to the face while Walker was held in a headlock by another Senators player.
—James Mirtle, New York Times, 27 Apr. 2026
Javier Cabello, founder of the Chiloé Silvestre NGO, has warned that the species’ small size leaves it especially defenseless in these situations — particularly in areas where roads cut through forest habitat.
—Ryan Brennan, Sacbee.com, 24 Apr. 2026
Vegas' Mitch Marner skated into the high slot and his shot ricocheted off two Dallas players and landed near Smith, who scored from close range past a defenseless Casey DeSmith.
—CBS News, 22 Mar. 2026
Rules that protect defenseless players should be followed and enforced to the letter of the law.
—Sean Keeler, Denver Post, 11 Mar. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for defenseless
Adjective
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Castro noted that with up to 90% of Haiti’s capital under gang control, the agency has created a large logistics operations to help get access to vulnerable communities.—
Jacqueline Charles,
Miami Herald,
12 Dec. 2025
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In rare instances, the virus can also be deadly in more vulnerable populations.—
Michael Cappetta,
Travel + Leisure,
11 Dec. 2025
Adjective
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Sharks often become bycatch – entangled in fishing nets not intended for them, they are rendered helpless and face certain death.—
Charlotte Reck,
CNN Money,
9 June 2026
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After having put Brazil ahead minutes earlier, Richarlison popped a cross from Vinícius Júnior into the air, spun, and struck a spectacular acrobatic volley past Serbia’s helpless goalkeeper.—
Gitanjali Roy,
Encyclopedia Britannica,
9 June 2026
Adjective
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While familiar favorites such as peaches, plums, cherries, apricots, and nectarines fall into the stone fruit category, some are more susceptible to pests and diseases than others.—
Rae Ford,
Martha Stewart,
13 June 2026
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People who are asleep or unable to keep flies away are particularly susceptible.—
Judy Stone,
Forbes.com,
11 June 2026
Adjective
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Knight is on the move for a second straight offseason after being left unprotected by Seattle.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
16 June 2026
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The organization is urging soccer fans to be sure they’re vaccinated, with a health campaign saying a single measles patient can spread the virus to up to 18 unprotected people.—
Lauran Neergaard,
Los Angeles Times,
15 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Defenseless.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/defenseless. Accessed 18 Jun. 2026.
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