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 His development as a front-footed defender is a valuable asset. — Cerys Jones, New York Times, 2 Aug. 2026 And what happens next should concern attackers and defenders alike. — Zak Doffman, Forbes.com, 2 Aug. 2026 Off a turnover, second half substitute Trinity Byars drew multiple defenders to her before the ball found its way to Godfrey. — ABC News, 2 Aug. 2026 None of them — at least not yet — is considered to be the Giants best defender because Brian Burns still is. — Mike Lupica, New York Daily News, 1 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
  • State and local prosecutors would be able to sue chatbot operators for violating the measures, as well as parents or guardians of children who are harmed by companies that don’t follow them.
    — Stephen Hobbs, Sacbee.com, 1 Aug. 2026
  • Young people who want access to algorithmic feeds or nighttime notifications have to consent to their parent or legal guardian being notified.
    — Cayla Bamberger, New York Daily News, 1 Aug. 2026
Definition of guardian
Noun
  • Starting in 2011, the IRS required brokers and custodians to report cost-basis and holding-period information for stock and mutual fund investors on Form 1099-B.
    — Greg Iacurci, CNBC, 5 Aug. 2026
  • Best for higher net-worth investors Augusta Precious Metals sells gold and silver directly, and also works with third-party custodians to manage your IRA.
    — Faith Wakefield, USA Today, 31 July 2026
Definition of custodian
Noun
  • This $10 option comes with three privacy glass screen protectors that will shield your screen from damage and prying eyes at the same time.
    — Jillian Dara, Travel + Leisure, 2 Aug. 2026
  • The stranger at the door stood under the personal protection of Zeus, the greatest of the gods and the protector of strangers.
    — David A. Graham, The Atlantic, 27 July 2026
Definition of protector
Noun
  • The pact gives Saudi Arabia a powerful new layer of protection beyond its longstanding security partnership with the United States amid growing regional doubts over whether Washington can still be relied upon to protect its oil-rich Gulf allies.
    — Sophie Tanno, CNN Money, 8 Aug. 2026
  • The durable and flexible HydroSport are full-protection and dry fast in wet conditions.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 8 Aug. 2026
Definition of protection
Noun
  • The mayor often is accompanied by a bodyguard but was not Thursday.
    — Orlando Sentinel Staff, The Orlando Sentinel, 3 Aug. 2026
  • Finally, there’s the Tower Penthouse Apartment, which occupies the top three floors of the hotel’s iconic tower and sleeps up to eight—not to mention a cozy single room for a traveling private chef or bodyguard.
    — Denny Lee, Travel + Leisure, 26 July 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 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on defender

Nglish: Translation of defender for Spanish Speakers

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