1
as in to protect
to drive danger or attack away from
a solemn oath to defend the mother country at any cost
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to justify
to continue to declare to be true or proper despite opposition or objections
she will pigheadedly defend any claim regardless of all evidence to the contrary
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of defend
Eaton is a partner with the San Diego law firm of Seltzer Caplan McMahon Vitek where his practice focuses on defending and advising employers.
—
Dan Eaton,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
29 June 2026
InterMiami, the defending MLS champs, are expected to repeat.
—
Chris Perkins,
Sun Sentinel,
29 June 2026
Trump had argued that a president shouldn’t be burdened with defending himself against decades-old charges.
—
Maureen Groppe,
USA Today,
29 June 2026
But Dort still often remains Mark Daigneault’s choice to defend top scoring options.
—
Joel Lorenzi,
New York Times,
29 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for defend
Dan Eaton,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
29 June 2026
InterMiami, the defending MLS champs, are expected to repeat.
—
Chris Perkins,
Sun Sentinel,
29 June 2026
Trump had argued that a president shouldn’t be burdened with defending himself against decades-old charges.
—
Maureen Groppe,
USA Today,
29 June 2026
But Dort still often remains Mark Daigneault’s choice to defend top scoring options.
—
Joel Lorenzi,
New York Times,
29 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for defend
Recent Examples of Synonyms for defend
Verb
-
In the final months of pregnancy, the testicles descend through a passage called the inguinal canal to land in the scrotum, the pouch that protects them for the rest of a man’s life.
-
This shampoo and conditioner are designed to strengthen and protect hair health while reducing frizz and split ends.
Verb
-
This looser-fitting top sits right at the waistband and is made of a durable nylon and elastane blend that resists wear and tear (justifying the price point).
-
Whatever happens for the remainder of this World Cup cannot be used to justify a system that has nothing to do with development, or kids playing sports.
Verb
-
Confirm details twice to safeguard your progress.
-
These awards recognize areas that demonstrate exceptional management, as well as strong regulations that safeguard wildlife.
Verb
-
Anguay said in a statement that she was humbled by the appointment, and said the utility would maintain its focus on providing safe, reliable power at affordable rates.
-
And as sweat pours out, the loss of fluids reduces blood volume, meaning your heart is forced to pump even harder to maintain blood pressure.
Verb
-
Publicly, both players have been complimentary of one another, although Brooks didn’t hide his frustration on Monday when asked about guarding the two-time MVP.
-
For most of my career, the loyalty industry treated data as an asset to be guarded and exported to specialists.
Verb
-
In a 5-4 ruling, Chief Justice John Roberts, writing for the court's majority, upheld limits Congress imposed on a president's attempt to remove members of the Fed as a legitimate protection of the institution's historical independence.
-
The ruling upholds laws in 30 states that allow at least some ballots to arrive after Election Day, including ballots from military voters and Americans who live overseas.
Cite this Entry
“Defend.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/defend. Accessed 30 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
