Thesaurus results for DEFENDER

defender

noun

di-ˈfen-dər

Definition of defender

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 But the Hurricanes passer evaded FSU defenders on a key play early in the second quarter, escaping two would-be tacklers and throwing downfield to a wide-open Daylyn Upshaw for a 44-yard gain. — Adam Lichtenstein, Sun Sentinel, 18 Oct. 2026 His drives can pull a defender away from Porter and give Brooklyn’s best shooter better looks. — C.j. Holmes, New York Daily News, 18 Oct. 2026 Martinez came out to meet a free kick into the area and had a head-on-head clash with Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite midway through the second half of the match at Hill Dickinson Stadium. — ABC News, 17 Oct. 2026 That receiver sends that poor defender into next week at the pylon. — Zach Dean Outkick, FOXNews.com, 17 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for defender

Recent Examples of Synonyms for defender

Noun

Judge Stephanie Santoro granted Klitschko’s request, appointing him temporary guardian of his daughter’s estate and authorizing him to file a probate petition on her behalf.

— Nancy Dillon, Rolling Stone, 8 Oct. 2026
Every child under 18 with a Social Security number has an account in their name, but parents or guardians must claim the account on an app to receive a one-time deposit of $1,000.

— Don Sweeney, Sacbee.com, 8 Oct. 2026

Definition of guardian

Noun

Okwuosa reports the average salary for a custodian is about $45,000 this fiscal year, up from $36,900 in fiscal year 2021-22.

— Corey Schmidt, Sacbee.com, 14 Oct. 2026
Under what was known as the Status Quo, a set of unwritten understandings between Israel and Jordan, the custodian of Jerusalem’s Muslim holy sites, Jews could visit the shrine, but only Muslims could worship there.

— Ilan Ben Zion, Christian Science Monitor, 14 Oct. 2026

Definition of custodian

Noun

Veteran David Quessenberry, a ninth-year pro who last started a game in 2023, will start in place of Jackson as quarterback Matthew Stafford’s blindside protector.

— Gary Klein, Los Angeles Times, 17 Oct. 2026
For assets under custody, BNY acts as a protector with administrative responsibilities.

— Zev Fima, CNBC, 15 Oct. 2026

Definition of protector

Noun

Members sign up to a set of guidelines around victim protection, attend events and host seminars.

— Max Goldbart, Deadline, 15 Oct. 2026
Instead, revenue protection mode—according to the DOJ—prioritized maintaining revenue by leasing fewer apartments at higher prices.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 14 Oct. 2026

Definition of protection

Noun

Iza typically paid Saavedra or his company around $100,000 per month for round-the-clock bodyguards, according to Saavedra’s plea agreement.

— Brittny Mejia, Los Angeles Times, 28 Sep. 2026
Miko served as a bodyguard for Michael Jackson and has worked for the late pop singer’s estate for over 30 years, according to The Guardian.

— Bailey Bujnosek, InStyle, 25 Sep. 2026

Definition of bodyguard

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defender

defenders

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Style

“Defender.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/defender. Accessed 19 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of defender

noun

Example Sentences

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