DEFECT FROM Synonyms: 29 Similar and Opposite Words

defect (from)

verb

di-ˈfekt

Definition of defect (from)

as in to desert

to leave (a cause or party) often in order to take up another soldiers defected from the rebel army en masse as the failure of their cause became apparent

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Recent Examples of Synonyms for defect (from)

Verb

His teeth desert his mouth; his digestion revolts; his heart appears frequently to announce its forthcoming resignation.

— Zain Khalid, Vulture, 1 Oct. 2026
The president’s 2024 campaign leaned into crypto to attract young men, a demographic that is deserting Republicans in the midterms.

— Isaac Arnsdorf, Washington Post, 1 Oct. 2026

Definition of desert

Verb

Industry analysts note that abandoning the export ban reflects recognition that such restrictions could prove counterproductive.

— , CNBC, 7 Oct. 2026
However, in the 7th century, this all vanished; the temples were abandoned and later looted, and Kea never again revived its trade or harbor settlements.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Oct. 2026

Definition of abandon

Verb

But Moscow has rejected a ceasefire, saying a comprehensive peace deal must be agreed rather than a temporary truce.

— HANNA ARHIROVA, Arkansas Online, 3 Oct. 2026
The groups behind the #BlockTheMerger coalition, which had amassed more than 5,700 signatories from actors, filmmakers and industry workers opposed to the deal, filed a brief with the court urging Martínez-Olguín to reject the settlement.

— Todd Spangler, Variety, 3 Oct. 2026

Definition of reject

Verb

When the Commerce Department cut off sea grants for Maine’s flagship university, Collins called Secretary Howard Lutnick to save them.

— Burgess Everett, semafor.com, 6 Oct. 2026
But the President has not yet followed through on such an action, which would cut off global supplies from the world’s largest diesel exporter and likely worsen shortages around the world.

— Miranda Jeyaretnam, Time, 6 Oct. 2026

Definition of cut off

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defected (from)

defect (from)

defecting

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“Defect (from).” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/defect%20%28from%29. Accessed 8 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of defect (from)

verb

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