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
His girlfriend, Syanna Ruiz, held their child in court, demanding the defendants remain behind bars.
—
Madisen Keavy,
CBS News,
2 July 2026
In court documents, O’Hara alleged the defendants violated his First and Fourth Amendment rights, accusing them of unlawfully restricting free speech and initiating an unlawful seizure while using excessive force.
—
Bonny Chu,
FOXNews.com,
2 July 2026
While most of the defendants who were sentenced Wednesday entered plea agreements, others who were convicted at trial are appealing their cases, their supporters said.
—
Shambhavi Rimal,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
2 July 2026
Two defendants who have been granted bail sat with their attorneys.
—
Daniel Lempres,
Sacbee.com,
2 July 2026
Named as defendants are the two deputies involved that day, Jacob Sebren and Hope Hearn along with Undersheriff Kelly Lowe, the Warsaw-Lincoln Ambulance District and Paramedic Kendra Zeiset.
—
Laura Bauer,
Kansas City Star,
2 July 2026
How the climbing couple got past security Prosecutors told the judge on July 2 that the defendants had trespassed overnight in the building before making the climb.
—
Jeanine Santucci,
USA Today,
2 July 2026
Madisen Keavy,
CBS News,
2 July 2026
In court documents, O’Hara alleged the defendants violated his First and Fourth Amendment rights, accusing them of unlawfully restricting free speech and initiating an unlawful seizure while using excessive force.
—
Bonny Chu,
FOXNews.com,
2 July 2026
While most of the defendants who were sentenced Wednesday entered plea agreements, others who were convicted at trial are appealing their cases, their supporters said.
—
Shambhavi Rimal,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
2 July 2026
Two defendants who have been granted bail sat with their attorneys.
—
Daniel Lempres,
Sacbee.com,
2 July 2026
Named as defendants are the two deputies involved that day, Jacob Sebren and Hope Hearn along with Undersheriff Kelly Lowe, the Warsaw-Lincoln Ambulance District and Paramedic Kendra Zeiset.
—
Laura Bauer,
Kansas City Star,
2 July 2026
How the climbing couple got past security Prosecutors told the judge on July 2 that the defendants had trespassed overnight in the building before making the climb.
—
Jeanine Santucci,
USA Today,
2 July 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for defendants
Noun
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Deputies responded to the area and identified an undisclosed number of juveniles as the offenders, officials said.
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Survivors have fought for a full public account of priests, with San Francisco the only diocese in the state that has not released such a list of clergy abuse offenders.
Noun
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What begins as a chance to escape the routine of his everyday life quickly spirals into a dangerous gathering of powerful criminals, old enemies, and unresolved loyalties.
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That creates the perfect opening for criminals.
Noun
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Two suspects hit several businesses in the Fairfax District early Tuesday morning, with one suspect in police custody.
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Deem fired his weapon at the suspects, but no injuries were reported, and the disturbance suspect has not been apprehended.
Cite this Entry
“Defendants.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/defendants. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.
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