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
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Recent Examples of defender
And the guard was not a positive defender.
—
Jace Frederick, Twin Cities, 19 Apr. 2026
Boston ended the quarter with a 33-18 lead after Tatum slithered through three Sixers defenders for a dunk, then shot an outlet pass to Jordan Walsh for a transition layup.
—Zack Cox, Boston Herald, 19 Apr. 2026
The main attraction supported an Inter Miami break along the right wing, eventually isolating Rapids defender Lucas Herrington, 1-on-1, in the back of the box.
—Sean Keeler, Denver Post, 19 Apr. 2026
Pistons wing Ausar Thompson, one of the NBA's top defenders, said the team has higher expectations for this postseason than anyone does outside the organization.
—CBS News, 18 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for defender
Jace Frederick, Twin Cities, 19 Apr. 2026
Boston ended the quarter with a 33-18 lead after Tatum slithered through three Sixers defenders for a dunk, then shot an outlet pass to Jordan Walsh for a transition layup.
—Zack Cox, Boston Herald, 19 Apr. 2026
The main attraction supported an Inter Miami break along the right wing, eventually isolating Rapids defender Lucas Herrington, 1-on-1, in the back of the box.
—Sean Keeler, Denver Post, 19 Apr. 2026
Pistons wing Ausar Thompson, one of the NBA's top defenders, said the team has higher expectations for this postseason than anyone does outside the organization.
—CBS News, 18 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for defender
Recent Examples of Synonyms for defender
Noun
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Polis’ attorneys said Tuesday that the governor essentially trusted an ICE agent’s word that the agency wanted the information for a criminal probe, rather than so that ICE could arrest and deport immigrant children or their guardians, as the groups suing Polis have alleged.—
Seth Klamann,
Denver Post,
21 Apr. 2026
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If Floridians register as a minor, their parents or legal guardians have the authority to make the final decision.—
Bruce Staley,
Sun Sentinel,
21 Apr. 2026
Noun
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The news comes as Broadway production company Seaview announced the acquisition of the revival rights from the new custodians of the Tennessee Williams estate.—
Caitlin Huston,
HollywoodReporter,
21 Apr. 2026
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The group successfully won the rights to stage the show from the Williams Estate’s new custodians at International Literary Properties in a competitive situation.—
Brent Lang,
Variety,
21 Apr. 2026
Noun
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That drives pocket-protector wearing water engineers a little crazy, because steady outcomes are what these men and women live for.—
Steve Scauzillo,
Daily News,
24 Apr. 2026
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My wonderful brother understands and has always been my witness and protector, but since Mother died, my older sisters are rewriting history.—
Abigail Van Buren,
Boston Herald,
23 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
His state case has been delayed because of protections that he — and everyone — is guaranteed by law.—
Charlotte Observer,
Charlotte Observer,
20 Apr. 2026
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Our expert take The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card packs a punch for a $95 annual fee card, offering annual travel credits, comprehensive travel protections and more.—
Jason Stauffer,
CNBC,
20 Apr. 2026
Noun
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At five o’clock Michael returns from a day of rehearsal, flanked by a personal bodyguard and his CBS Records chaperone and appointment-maker, Steve Manning.—
Andy Greene,
Rolling Stone,
23 Apr. 2026
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Titled Close Protection, the romantic thriller, co-created by Georgaris and Fox and to be written by Georgaris, is about an American bodyguard protecting a British princess.—
Nellie Andreeva,
Deadline,
23 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Defender.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/defender. Accessed 27 Apr. 2026.
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