Thesaurus results for DEFENDER

defender

noun

di-ˈfen-dər

Definition of defender

as in guardian

someone that protects one of the traditional roles of an older brother is that of schoolyard defender

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

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 The Dolphins full-court pressed Herring because of his skill set and reputation as a stout run defender, which is a massive need for the 2026 team new general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan is putting together and Jeff Hafley’s responsible for coaching. — Omar Kelly, Miami Herald, 6 Sep. 2026 That may come in the form of a big special-teams play, a heads-up stop by a defender or even questionable calls by the referees. — Shaun Goodwin, Idaho Statesman, 6 Sep. 2026 The ball seemingly hit the hand of a Western Michigan defender when the TV scorebug saw the zeroes on the clock. — Ryan Gaydos Outkick, FOXNews.com, 6 Sep. 2026 But even once-stalwart defenders of open markets, like the European Union, are racing to put up trade barriers against China. — Jason Ma, Fortune, 6 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for defender

Recent Examples of Synonyms for defender

Noun

The organization claimed in the lawsuit that the state law violated equal protection for minors and the due process rights of parents and guardians to obtain necessary medical care for their child.

— Hayleigh Colombo, IndyStar, 11 Sep. 2026
Parents or guardians of minors could have been held responsible for administrative penalties.

— Haley Parsley, Sacbee.com, 9 Sep. 2026

Definition of guardian

Noun

In Colorado, custodians have to transfer assets within 60 days of receiving an affidavit from the charity claiming the funds.

— Hayley Cuccinello, CNBC, 17 Sep. 2026
Long is on Zoom, from her home in Los Angeles and seated at her kitchen counter with the sliding doors behind her, where a custodian is cleaning the deck that coyotes keep fouling.

— Clayton Davis, Variety, 16 Sep. 2026

Definition of custodian

Noun

And look for Maxx Crosby to feast against the Chargers’ pass protectors who couldn’t keep the Cardinals out of Herbert’s backfield.

— Hank Gola, New York Daily News, 18 Sep. 2026
Frankel plays Ian, the older brother and protector of Emilia Jones’ lead character, Gabby Clemente.

— Matt Grobar, Deadline, 17 Sep. 2026

Definition of protector

Noun

De Paul, who is dubbed Messi’s bodyguard, is now overplaying the part.

— Felipe Cardenas, New York Times, 14 Sep. 2026
But after Chad refuses to follow Gerry’s demands during the team’s final game, Gerry storms onto the field to reveal his secret — only to be tackled by Tricia Yeager’s (Wynn Everett) bodyguard.

— Lexi Carson, HollywoodReporter, 10 Sep. 2026

Definition of bodyguard

Browse Nearby Words

defended

defender

defenders

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Defender.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/defender. Accessed 21 Sep. 2026.

Copy Citation

Synonyms of defender

noun

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

elegiac

Popular in Grammar & Usage

Why do we use apostrophes to show possession?

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

The Exceptions of '-s' and '-es' Plurals

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

'A' or 'an'? What about before 'h'? An Indefinite Article Guide

Popular in Wordplay

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

Back to School Vocabulary

Words from the 'Odyssey'

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

The Words of the Week - Sept. 18

Popular

Why do we use apostrophes to show possession?

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

Back to School Vocabulary

Games & Quizzes