as in offenders
a person who is being sued or accused of a crime in a court of law
The jury believed that the defendant was guilty.
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Recent Examples of defendants
The government did not specify in the brief, which was filed ahead of a status conference Wednesday, which of the defendants are poised to receive a plea deal.
—
Tom Winter, NBC news, 5 Mar. 2026
The team will help defendants establish eligibility for mental health diversion and ensure they are positioned for success in the program.
—Daniel Lempres, Sacbee.com, 5 Mar. 2026
With the help of that tiny clipping of moss, the defendants were eventually convicted of desecrating human remains in 2015.
—Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 5 Mar. 2026
Under Florida’s constitution, defendants have a right to question and cross-examine their accusers.
—Gabriel Velasquez Neira, The Orlando Sentinel, 5 Mar. 2026
Testimony details gun training and group meetings After the defendants sat down, the questions turned to Sharp's knowledge and use of guns within the group.
—Kelsy Mittauer, CBS News, 5 Mar. 2026
Attorneys for the nine defendants say there was no conspiracy behind the demonstration.
—Molly Hennessy-Fiske, Washington Post, 5 Mar. 2026
Beyond Song, Evetts and the Sotos, the defendants are Autumn Hill (referred to as Cameron Arnold in the indictment), Savanna Batten, Meagan Morris (referred to as Bradford Morris in the indictment), Maricela Rueda and Daniel Rolando Sanchez Estrada.
—Emerson Clarridge
updated March 5, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 5 Mar. 2026
In addition to Gonzalez, the defendants identified in the main indictment were Edward Escalante, Edward Alvarenga, George Carillo, Carlos Beltran, Felipe De Los Angeles and Edwin Martinez.
—Brittny Mejia, Los Angeles Times, 5 Mar. 2026
Tom Winter, NBC news, 5 Mar. 2026
The team will help defendants establish eligibility for mental health diversion and ensure they are positioned for success in the program.
—Daniel Lempres, Sacbee.com, 5 Mar. 2026
With the help of that tiny clipping of moss, the defendants were eventually convicted of desecrating human remains in 2015.
—Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 5 Mar. 2026
Under Florida’s constitution, defendants have a right to question and cross-examine their accusers.
—Gabriel Velasquez Neira, The Orlando Sentinel, 5 Mar. 2026
Testimony details gun training and group meetings After the defendants sat down, the questions turned to Sharp's knowledge and use of guns within the group.
—Kelsy Mittauer, CBS News, 5 Mar. 2026
Attorneys for the nine defendants say there was no conspiracy behind the demonstration.
—Molly Hennessy-Fiske, Washington Post, 5 Mar. 2026
Beyond Song, Evetts and the Sotos, the defendants are Autumn Hill (referred to as Cameron Arnold in the indictment), Savanna Batten, Meagan Morris (referred to as Bradford Morris in the indictment), Maricela Rueda and Daniel Rolando Sanchez Estrada.
—Emerson Clarridge
updated March 5, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 5 Mar. 2026
In addition to Gonzalez, the defendants identified in the main indictment were Edward Escalante, Edward Alvarenga, George Carillo, Carlos Beltran, Felipe De Los Angeles and Edwin Martinez.
—Brittny Mejia, Los Angeles Times, 5 Mar. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for defendants
Noun
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Creuzot, a former state district judge and pioneer of diversion programs that steer low-level offenders from prison into rehabilitation programs, ran on his record.—
Gromer Jeffers Jr,
Dallas Morning News,
9 Mar. 2026
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The offenders forcefully entered the home, in the 700 block of Rosewood Avenue, after one of them posed as a food delivery worker to gain access to the home, Winnetka police said.—
Pioneer Press,
Chicago Tribune,
9 Mar. 2026
Noun
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Whatley said those policies threaten law enforcement officers and public safety, arguing that criminals belong behind bars and pledging to continue backing law enforcement.—
Stepheny Price,
FOXNews.com,
7 Mar. 2026
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The decisive action of the Mexican government is positive for families on both sides of the border who suffer the devastating consequences of the activities of these transnational criminals.—
Chicago Tribune,
Chicago Tribune,
7 Mar. 2026
Noun
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Deem fired his weapon at the suspects, but no injuries were reported, and the disturbance suspect has not been apprehended.—
Jade Jackson,
IndyStar,
2 Oct. 2025
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One of the suspects was found guilty of first-degree murder in June 2021, among a list of other charges, while the other suspect pleaded guilty in early 2020 to 17 counts, including murder charges.—
Ray Sanchez,
CNN Money,
11 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Defendants.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/defendants. Accessed 10 Mar. 2026.
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