1
as in ammunition
means or method of defending
thorns are a rose's defense against grazing animals
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in excuse
an explanation that frees one from fault or blame
there's absolutely no defense for your actions
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of defense
He was shuffled off to Philadelphia for the Second Continental Congress ostensibly to secure money for the colony’s defense but also to get him out of the way.
—
Adam Van Brimmer,
AJC.com,
30 June 2026
Keanu Reeves came to Rinsch’s defense last month, asking the judge for leniency in the case.
—
Alejandra Gularte,
Vulture,
30 June 2026
This global aerospace and defense firm gets top ratings for manufacturing engineers and supply chain managers, among other jobs.
—
Daniel De Visé,
USA Today,
29 June 2026
The 34-year-old’s wins came against Yair Rodriguez, Arnold Allen, Korean Zombie, Justin Gaethje (for the BMF title), and Dustin Poirier (defense of the BMF title).
—
Trent Reinsmith,
Forbes.com,
29 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for defense
Adam Van Brimmer,
AJC.com,
30 June 2026
Keanu Reeves came to Rinsch’s defense last month, asking the judge for leniency in the case.
—
Alejandra Gularte,
Vulture,
30 June 2026
This global aerospace and defense firm gets top ratings for manufacturing engineers and supply chain managers, among other jobs.
—
Daniel De Visé,
USA Today,
29 June 2026
The 34-year-old’s wins came against Yair Rodriguez, Arnold Allen, Korean Zombie, Justin Gaethje (for the BMF title), and Dustin Poirier (defense of the BMF title).
—
Trent Reinsmith,
Forbes.com,
29 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for defense
Recent Examples of Synonyms for defense
Noun
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In Gohrischheide, in eastern Germany, a fire broke out in a large forest that's still contaminated with ammunition from World War II, complicating efforts by firefighters.
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In Gohrischheide, in eastern Germany, a fire broke out in a large forest that’s still contaminated with ammunition from World War II, which made the firefighters’ efforts even more complicated.
Noun
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There’s no excuse not to organize your pills for travel when this organizer is on sale for just $8.
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The Fourth of July is, for many of us, a welcome excuse for barbecues, beach outings and fireworks — a holiday defined by gathering, but also some pretty ambitious eating and drinking too.
Noun
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The state expansion also means protection for the rare riparian forest.
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Just remember, tents do not offer protection from lightning.
Noun
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There's no justification for this.
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There's no doubt that the media played an inordinate role in allowing COVID-19 mandates and restrictions to start, expand, and continue well beyond any reasonable justification.
Noun
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Pair it with flip-flops, shield sunglasses, and a silver pendant necklace for a look that feels minimal but edgy.
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On the wall across the bar are autographs of former USMNT greats, scrawled inside a mighty shield.
Noun
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But this also is among the reasons her books are considered must-reads in the classroom, and contemporary classics.
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The Los Angeles Dodgers made headlines in 2025 for a number of reasons.
Noun
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Tokenization allows banks to offer the speed, transparency and programmability clients increasingly expect while preserving the safeguards that underpin trust in the financial system.
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Greenspan long advocated for gold as a safeguard against inflation and government overspending.
Noun
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Officials have not reported discovering caches containing cash, gold or weapons and have not publicly commented on the broader allegations.
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The department will also deploy counterterrorism resources, explosive detection K-9s, bomb squad personnel and heavy weapons teams, along with plain clothes officers and a harbor unit for the waterways.
Cite this Entry
“Defense.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/defense. Accessed 3 Jul. 2026.
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