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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 Naperville Central senior defender Jacob Adams is a picture of serenity in a sea of chaos. — Matt Le Cren, Chicago Tribune, 25 Sep. 2026 The trial of Lindsay Clancy, a Massachusetts woman who killed her three children, has set off a furor of public scrutiny – of both the troubled mother and the medical establishment her defenders say failed to provide adequate mental healthcare. — Cameron Pugh, Christian Science Monitor, 25 Sep. 2026 Jorge Rodríguez, who served as Maduro’s campaign chief, became one of the government’s most prominent defenders of the official election results. — Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 24 Sep. 2026 Detroit will test whether that approach holds up against a more explosive offense and with key defenders unavailable. — Antwan Staley, New York Daily News, 24 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for defender
Recent Examples of Synonyms for defender
  1. guardian
  2. custodian
  3. protector
  4. protection
  5. bodyguard
Noun
  • After Kansas City, Kansas Public Schools notified students’ parents and guardians, the district gave students the option to stay at school or go home, wrote Markl Johnson, district spokesperson, in a statement.
    — Eleanor Nash, Kansas City Star, 21 Sep. 2026
  • Drivers under the age of 21 are not allowed to travel with any alcohol unless they are accompanied by a parent, relative or legal guardian.
    — Sacbee.com, Sacbee.com, 21 Sep. 2026
Definition of guardian
Noun
  • If the information isn't readily available online, contact your custodian to ask how to get these specific details.
    — Cheryl Winokur Munk, CNBC, 23 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
  • The second a Verizon worker mentions adding a screen protector, my blood boils.
    — Joe Kinsey OutKick, FOXNews.com, 25 Sep. 2026
  • 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
Definition of protector
Noun
  • Board members increased that protection to nine months in 2024, adding reimbursement for medical insurance coverage for Hill and her eligible dependents.
    — Nora O'Neill, Charlotte Observer, 23 Sep. 2026
  • The pollster and the newspaper described the lawsuit as a conspiracy theory and an affront to free speech protections.
    — Hannah Fingerhut, Los Angeles Times, 23 Sep. 2026
Definition of protection
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
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Cite this Entry

“Defender.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/defender. Accessed 28 Sep. 2026.

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