as in deserter
a person who abandons a cause or organization usually without right
the defector demanded political asylum in exchange for information about his nation's spying operations
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Recent Examples of defector
And with members' own reelection hopes beginning to clash with some politically unpopular policies coming from the White House, the number of Republican defectors could grow as the midterm elections approach.
—
CBS News, 25 Feb. 2026
In 2006, Russian defector Alexander Litvinenko died after drinking a cup of tea laced with radioactive polonium-210 in a London hotel.
—The Week Uk, TheWeek, 17 Feb. 2026
In 2006, defector and former Russian spy Alexander Litvinenko died three weeks after drinking green tea laced with polonium-210 at a plush London hotel.
—Freddie Clayton, NBC news, 15 Feb. 2026
Among the defectors, only two started games for the Canes in 2025.
—Sam Khan Jr, New York Times, 3 Feb. 2026
Koepka, the first to work out a deal with the PGA as a reverse defector, this week is playing his first Tour event since returning, at the Farmers Insurance Open in San Diego.
—Mary Whitfill Roeloffs, Forbes.com, 28 Jan. 2026
At the time, the president vowed to back primary challengers to the Republican defectors.
—Christian Datoc, The Washington Examiner, 27 Jan. 2026
If Democrats oppose the floor vote, Speaker Mike Johnson can afford to lose just two Republican votes before a third GOP defector could upset passage.
—Lauren Peller, ABC News, 21 Jan. 2026
Laughter, gasps and applause are not uncommon, according to defectors and foreign visitors who have attended such events.
—Will Ripley, CNN Money, 21 Jan. 2026
CBS News, 25 Feb. 2026
In 2006, Russian defector Alexander Litvinenko died after drinking a cup of tea laced with radioactive polonium-210 in a London hotel.
—The Week Uk, TheWeek, 17 Feb. 2026
In 2006, defector and former Russian spy Alexander Litvinenko died three weeks after drinking green tea laced with polonium-210 at a plush London hotel.
—Freddie Clayton, NBC news, 15 Feb. 2026
Among the defectors, only two started games for the Canes in 2025.
—Sam Khan Jr, New York Times, 3 Feb. 2026
Koepka, the first to work out a deal with the PGA as a reverse defector, this week is playing his first Tour event since returning, at the Farmers Insurance Open in San Diego.
—Mary Whitfill Roeloffs, Forbes.com, 28 Jan. 2026
At the time, the president vowed to back primary challengers to the Republican defectors.
—Christian Datoc, The Washington Examiner, 27 Jan. 2026
If Democrats oppose the floor vote, Speaker Mike Johnson can afford to lose just two Republican votes before a third GOP defector could upset passage.
—Lauren Peller, ABC News, 21 Jan. 2026
Laughter, gasps and applause are not uncommon, according to defectors and foreign visitors who have attended such events.
—Will Ripley, CNN Money, 21 Jan. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for defector
Noun
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This notably happened during the Civil War with enlistment bounties to track down deserters.—
Michael Smolens,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
28 Dec. 2025
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Harry Truman granted amnesty to certain World War II deserters, while Jimmy Carter granted pardons to hundreds of thousands of individuals who dodged the draft during the Vietnam War.—
Stewart Ulrich,
The Conversation,
15 Dec. 2025
Noun
-
McCarthy’s rampage was about rooting out traitors.—
Ali Breland,
The Atlantic,
6 Mar. 2026
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Each night, the traitors eliminate one faithful by figuratively murdering them, ending their time on the show.—
Tiney Ricciardi,
Denver Post,
3 Mar. 2026
Noun
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Gehlfuss' rigid, rule-following Bill Goodman serves as a foil to Colin's renegade, acting as an FBI liaison to the CIA.—
Randall Colburn,
Entertainment Weekly,
23 Feb. 2026
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Clad in red, white and black, the renegade scientist’s sartorial inspiration is not bound to a single era.—
Emma Fraser,
Los Angeles Times,
18 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
These are Loyalists who have been killed by rebels.—
Maggie Fremont,
Vulture,
6 Mar. 2026
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While Machar is currently on trial for offenses including treason, fighting has intensified in areas seen as his strongholds, where government troops are trying to disperse the rebels.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
6 Mar. 2026
Noun
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At least 169 people were killed after insurgents raided a village in a remote area of South Sudan, a local official said Monday.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
3 Mar. 2026
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At least 169 people were killed after insurgents raided a village in a remote area of South Sudan, a local official said Monday.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
2 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Defector.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/defector. Accessed 10 Mar. 2026.
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