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 images of Maradona weaving through defenders or celebrating in front of packed stands were seen by millions worldwide, embedding the tournament in collective memory in a way earlier editions could not match.
—
Clemente Lisi, Forbes.com, 9 May 2026
That doesn’t mean San Diego’s young defenders are the problem.
—Eddie Brown, San Diego Union-Tribune, 9 May 2026
The 49ers like Height for his relentless play style and explosiveness (his vertical and broad jump at the scouting combine ranked in the 94th and 89th percentile among edge defenders).
—Chris Biderman, Sacbee.com, 8 May 2026
The 6-foot-7 Anunoby, also considered the Knicks' top defender, injured his hamstring two years ago in the second round as the Knicks were taking a 2-0 lead over Indiana.
—Cbs New York Team, CBS News, 7 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for defender
Clemente Lisi, Forbes.com, 9 May 2026
That doesn’t mean San Diego’s young defenders are the problem.
—Eddie Brown, San Diego Union-Tribune, 9 May 2026
The 49ers like Height for his relentless play style and explosiveness (his vertical and broad jump at the scouting combine ranked in the 94th and 89th percentile among edge defenders).
—Chris Biderman, Sacbee.com, 8 May 2026
The 6-foot-7 Anunoby, also considered the Knicks' top defender, injured his hamstring two years ago in the second round as the Knicks were taking a 2-0 lead over Indiana.
—Cbs New York Team, CBS News, 7 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for defender
Recent Examples of Synonyms for defender
Noun
-
The legislation requires minors under 16 to link their social media accounts to a legal guardian to ensure supervision and prohibits platforms from using addictive features such as infinite scroll and the automatic play of videos.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
20 May 2026
-
Emphasising nature's power to protect this sleeping guardian is Gaia, or Mother Nature.—
Joanne Shurvell,
Forbes.com,
20 May 2026
Noun
-
But most of her extended conversations on campus were either with the administrator, Val, or with the custodian, a man named Hank who liked to park himself in her office doorway and expostulate about the upcoming hunting season.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
11 May 2026
-
Now, agencies must weigh whether to adhere to federal dictates or comply with state transparency rules, with some directing records custodians and media spokespersons to acknowledge public records requests but not fulfill them unless ICE grants approval, records show.—
Monique O. Madan,
Sun Sentinel,
11 May 2026
Noun
-
His nanny was his fierce protector and insulated him from the depredations of Nazis and their enablers, baptizing him and teaching him to handily hurl anti-Jewish epithets to fit in.—
Ron Kampeas,
Sun Sentinel,
11 May 2026
-
Thanks to their historic ability to maintain value and even rise in price when market conditions deteriorate, both metals are considered worthwhile for those looking for a portfolio protector.—
Matt Richardson,
CBS News,
11 May 2026
Noun
-
On the upper, the brand’s ToeTection abrasion cage provides durability and protection while helping establish a lockdown support.—
Tim Newcomb,
Forbes.com,
18 May 2026
-
Proponents of such protections should reframe the debate accordingly or risk ceding some ethical high ground.—
Adam W. Gaffney,
STAT,
18 May 2026
Noun
-
Antioxidants like green tea and ferulic acid neutralize oxidative stress (which can lead to sensitivity), while ectoin acts more like a bodyguard for your skin cells, protecting them from environmental stress.—
Christa Joanna Lee,
Allure,
22 May 2026
-
Members of the Jalisco cartel have been charged with orchestrating the attack and several of Manzo’s bodyguards were arrested for possible participation.—
Kate Linthicum,
Los Angeles Times,
18 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Defender.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/defender. Accessed 24 May. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
