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 Among players, Marcos Senesi, Hamed Traorè, and Enes Ünal are some of the notable departures, while promising new signings include defenders António Silva, Álvaro Rodríguez, Álex Jiménez, and Juanlu Sánchez. — Jibin Joseph, PC Magazine, 23 Aug. 2026 Palace have signed defenders Anan Khalaili, Oscar Mingueza and Takehiro Tomiyasu and wingers Dwight McNeil and Zavier Gozo this summer. — Matt Woosnam, New York Times, 23 Aug. 2026 Maren Heile-Selassie used assists from defender Viktor Radojević and Jonathan Bamba in the 38th minute to score his fourth goal and give Chicago a 1-0 lead that stood through halftime. — CBS News, 23 Aug. 2026 Toronto defender Walker Zimmerman was suspended for the Miami game after receiving a straight red card early in the second half against Charlotte. — Michelle Kaufman, Miami Herald, 23 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for defender
Recent Examples of Synonyms for defender
  1. guardian
  2. custodian
  3. protector
  4. protection
  5. bodyguard
Noun
  • The doc would soon be marred with legal issues as Williams’ guardian argued the network exploited Williams.
    — Armando Tinoco, Deadline, 24 Aug. 2026
  • Upon their father’s death, Lindsey became Darline’s legal guardian.
    — Charles Bethea, New Yorker, 24 Aug. 2026
Definition of guardian
Noun
  • Every year Jim Evans faces the challenge of keeping health care costs reasonable for the more than 400 teachers, custodians and bus drivers at Concord Community Schools.
    — Alex Olgin, NPR, 26 Aug. 2026
  • Three men with very different vested interests across their roles as player, broadcaster and custodian.
    — Ben Jones Aug. 26, New York Times, 26 Aug. 2026
Definition of custodian
Noun
  • Precious Sam The 7-foot center originally from Ghana began playing basketball only six years ago and is the classic rim protector that has anchored SDSU’s defense.
    — Mark Zeigler, San Diego Union-Tribune, 20 Aug. 2026
  • The manga and popular anime series follow adolescent ninja Naruto, who dreams of becoming his community’s protector and leader known as the village ninja.
    — Matt Minton, Variety, 20 Aug. 2026
Definition of protector
Noun
  • The approach can provide thermal protection without pumps or circulating coolant.
    — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 28 Aug. 2026
  • As a result, many drivers opt for uninsured motorist coverage for additional financial protection, which can increase insurance costs.
    — McKynzie Steward, AJC.com, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of protection
Noun
  • The Dutch police assigned round-the-clock bodyguards to protect Tahmasbi and began shuttling him through a series of safe houses.
    — Cora Engelbrecht, New Yorker, 24 Aug. 2026
  • The film will star Leighton Meester as a no-nonsense bodyguard assigned to protect an action star (Jared Padalecki) over the holidays.
    — Clare Mulroy, USA Today, 15 Aug. 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 31 Aug. 2026.

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