Synonyms of defended

defended 1 of 2

adjective

as in protected

Related Words

• protected
• guarded
• secured
• shielded
• safeguarded
• secure
• defensible
• tenable
• unassailable
• defendable
• invincible
• inviolable
• invulnerable
• impregnable
• bulletproof
• unbeatable
• indomitable
• untouchable
• unconquerable

Dissimilar Words

• indefensible
• untenable
• vulnerable
• liable
• open
• susceptible
• exposed
• unprotected
• undefended
• unguarded
• insecure
• unsecured
• weak
• helpless
• powerless
• defenseless
• vincible
• imperiled
• assailable

defended

2 of 2

verb

past tense of defend

1

as in guarded

to drive danger or attack away from

a solemn oath to defend the mother country at any cost

Synonyms & Similar Words

• protected
• guarded
• safeguarded
• shielded
• fended
• secured
• kept
• warded
• fenced
• screened
• prevented
• saved
• bulwarked
• covered
• opposed
• stood up for
• forfended
• preserved
• resisted
• withstood
• contended
• fought
• conserved
• averted
• warred
• battled
• picketed
• buffered
• walled
• palisaded

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• attacked
• assailed
• assaulted
• stormed
• bombarded
• submitted
• besieged
• beset
• yielded
• overran
• caved
• capitulated

2

as in justified

to continue to declare to be true or proper despite opposition or objections

she will pigheadedly defend any claim regardless of all evidence to the contrary

Synonyms & Similar Words

• justified
• maintained
• upheld
• supported
• advocated
• asserted
• affirmed
• proclaimed
• championed
• discussed
• confirmed
• argued
• insisted
• stuck up for
• stated
• protested
• contended
• stood up for
• vindicated
• espoused
• pleaded
• claimed
• emphasized
• debated
• averred
• professed
• warranted
• underscored
• underlined
• stressed
• avowed
• avouched

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• withdrew
• abandoned
• retracted
• reversed
• forsook
• switched
• recanted
• refuted
• took back
• rebutted
• abjured
• disproved
• controverted

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of defended

Adjective

Every additional defended point becomes a resource allocation problem for Moscow. — David A. Deptula, Forbes.com, 30 June 2026

Speaking at Fortune’s Workforce Innovation Summit on Tuesday, the 31-year-old defended sweeping workforce cuts at Bolt—including a recent layoff affecting roughly 30% of employees—as well as his decision to eliminate the company’s HR team. — Preston Fore, Fortune, 19 May 2026

Some defended efforts by staff to correct the books, while others demanded answers on how the accounting error had gone unnoticed through three full audit cycles. — Mona Darwish, Oc Register, 1 May 2026

The extended range allows aircraft to strike without entering heavily defended zones, reducing risk to pilots and platforms. — Sujita Sinha, Interesting Engineering, 23 Apr. 2026

Private firefighting outfits defended companies, utilities, and ultrarich enclaves while other parts of the city burned. — Vann R. Newkirk Ii, The Atlantic, 10 Nov. 2025

Ringo recorded a defended pass and recovered the fumble Campbell forced. — Brooks Kubena, New York Times, 29 Sep. 2025

In the first three games of the year, DeJean recorded 22 tackles and a defended pass. — Evan Massey, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 Sep. 2025

In 11 games for Wisconsin, Lucas recorded 18 tackles, one interception and three defended passes. — Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 9 Aug. 2025

Verb

Two adults and a child were injured by falling debris in Qatar as the country defended against Iranian attacks, its Ministry of Interior said Sunday. — CNN Money, 12 July 2026

Mattias Moroni crossed Wales' line in the 56th minute but was called back for a knock on and Wales successfully defended Argentina's next attack from a penalty. — ABC News, 11 July 2026

After a flurry of criticism over the award, Infantino defended his decision. — Connor Greene, Time, 10 July 2026

For the final 40 minutes of their 3-2 win over Mexico in a Round-of-16 match in Mexico City, England was down a man following a red card and furiously defended the team’s one-goal lead. — Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 10 July 2026

Lendeborg and Johnson rarely defended each other despite both being in the frontcourt. — Joseph Dycus, Mercury News, 10 July 2026

Hansi Flick’s side successfully defended their Liga title and won the Supercopa de Espana in 2025-26. — Pol Ballús, New York Times, 10 July 2026

Miki Sudo defended her title as well in the women’s division. — Kyla Guilfoil, NBC news, 5 July 2026

The Kenyan runner defended his crown after winning last year’s event. — Nicole Bennett, AJC.com, 4 July 2026