defender

noun

di-ˈfen-dər How to pronounce defender (audio)
Definition of defendernext
as in guardian
someone that protects one of the traditional roles of an older brother is that of schoolyard defender

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of defender Rodriguez and defensive tackle Zach Sieler were among Miami defenders with tackles for loss against the run, making back-to-back such plays in the first half against Gibbs. — David Furones, Sun Sentinel, 8 Nov. 2026 Since his no-show at Missouri, Graham has re-established himself as Florida’s most productive defender. — Edgar Thompson, The Orlando Sentinel, 8 Nov. 2026 The veteran defender continues to make plays every game for the MU defense. — Pj Green november 8, Kansas City Star, 8 Nov. 2026 Instead of insisting on playing through pressure, defenders cleared the ball when necessary, stayed compact and protected a narrow lead. — Eddie Brown, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 Nov. 2026 See All Example Sentences for defender
Recent Examples of Synonyms for defender
  1. guardian
  2. custodian
  3. protector
  4. protection
  5. bodyguard
Noun
  • That's because their potential guardians get detained themselves or are afraid or unable to complete the sponsorship process.
    — CBS News, CBS News, 2 Nov. 2026
  • This may mean removing an abusive parent as their guardian and establishing another relative or foster parent in place of the parent.
    — Sasha Allen, Hartford Courant, 1 Nov. 2026
Definition of guardian
Noun
  • The California State University system reached a tentative agreement with the CSU Employees Union, which represents about 14,500 staff including custodians, nurses and IT specialists.
    — The Sacramento Bee staff, Sacbee.com, 4 Nov. 2026
  • Two days later, the custodian provided nine documents and forwarded 11 emails from the city clerk.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 30 Oct. 2026
Definition of custodian
Noun
  • Claxton is a true rim protector who can deter and affect shot-making around the rim.
    — Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 6 Nov. 2026
  • Sultan-Epe is revered as a protector of seafarers and fishermen—a fitting association for a shrine overlooking the Caspian.
    — Avantika Chaturvedi, Architectural Digest, 5 Nov. 2026
Definition of protector
Noun
  • In Taiwan, home to the world's largest contract chipmaker TSMC, protections for trade secrets have evolved alongside the semiconductor industry’s growing strategic importance.
    — Jenny Lee, CNBC, 5 Nov. 2026
  • Regulatory reform could mean easing some environmental protections.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 5 Nov. 2026
Definition of protection
Noun
  • He was dressed in his campaign uniform of a Carhartt jacket over a tight black T-shirt and dark-wash jeans, and accompanied by his three bodyguards.
    — Eliza Griswold, New Yorker, 30 Oct. 2026
  • Godfrey proposes a pan-European fleet of orbital bodyguards patrolling clusters of European assets to ward off future Russian attempts to jam or damage the satellites.
    — Tereza Pultarova, Space.com, 27 Oct. 2026
Definition of bodyguard

Browse Nearby Words

defended
defender
defenders
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Cite this Entry

“Defender.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/defender. Accessed 9 Nov. 2026.

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