defecting 1 of 2

Definition of defectingnext

defecting

2 of 2

verb

present participle of defect

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of Synonyms for defecting
Verb
  • The purges drove an exodus of research talent, with figures like Einstein, Bethe, and Krebs emigrating to the UK and, mostly, the US.
    Scott Montgomery, Forbes.com, 15 Sep. 2025
  • In setting the stage for the drama, Wong drew upon memories of his own childhood in Hong Kong, to which his family moved after emigrating from Shanghai.
    Gregg Kilday, HollywoodReporter, 3 Sep. 2019
Adjective
  • Even before his testimony, Lutnick was facing calls to resign from Democrats as well as from renegade Republican Representative Thomas Massie of Kentucky.
    David A. Graham, The Atlantic, 11 Feb. 2026
  • The renegade baseball general manager in Moneyball, for instance, was later played by Brad Pitt, while the characters in The Big Short were portrayed by Christian Bale, Ryan Gosling, Steve Carell, and Pitt again, among others.
    Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 5 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • Tunnels beneath the church provided a secret haven for those journeying north to freedom.
    Maggie Menderski, Louisville Courier Journal, 19 Feb. 2026
  • Katakturuk opts for the Atlantic, making his way over thousands of miles of ocean, then journeying across west across Canada to meet his one true love.
    Phaedra Trethan, USA Today, 14 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • The Market by the Meat Cellar was noted for, as its name suggests, cuts of mean from Premier Meat Company and its nontraditional format that combined a butchery, cheese shop, culinary boutique and a full-service steakhouse all in one spot.
    Brock Keeling, Oc Register, 23 Feb. 2026
  • The internationally famous doughnut shop, which is known not only for its bold and unconventional creations but also for hosting nontraditional wedding ceremonies, has opened in Wynwood, with the flavors that have transformed it from a cult favorite to a megahit across the country.
    Connie Ogle, Miami Herald, 19 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • The steering, though somewhat isolated due to the car’s grand-touring disposition, feels communicative enough to enable and encourage rather spirited cornering.
    Basem Wasef, Robb Report, 25 Feb. 2026
  • Skarsgård is also fond of touring with a film because actors then get to connect with audiences and their thoughts on the film.
    José Criales-Unzueta, Vanity Fair, 25 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • This is a great pick for springtime strolls, when meeting up with a friend for a walk means traveling light.
    Annie Blackman, InStyle, 27 Feb. 2026
  • Wingo added that the Owls were a traveling team that played a championship game in Portland, Oregon.
    Sarah Dewberry, CNN Money, 27 Feb. 2026
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.

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Cite this Entry

“Defecting.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/defecting. Accessed 1 Mar. 2026.

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