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
But the rebound went right to Chawinga at the 6-yard box and her volley attempt was turned aside by Legacy defender Jorelyn Carabalí.
—
Greg Dudek, Boston Herald, 30 May 2026
Chris Richards, the 26-year-old who many believe is the best defender on the USMNT heading into the tournament, won’t be traveling for the team’s international friendly against Senegal on Sunday.
—Scott Thompson, FOXNews.com, 30 May 2026
Arsenal defender Gabriel Magalhaes fired the last of his team’s penalties over the bar to hand PSG the shootout win.
—James Robson, Los Angeles Times, 30 May 2026
Members of Miami's Haitian community pressed against a stage on a rainy Saturday to cheer on forward Duckens Nazon, defender Martin Experience and other members of the country's national soccer team ahead of a pair of friendly matches next week.
—CBS News, 30 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for defender
Greg Dudek, Boston Herald, 30 May 2026
Chris Richards, the 26-year-old who many believe is the best defender on the USMNT heading into the tournament, won’t be traveling for the team’s international friendly against Senegal on Sunday.
—Scott Thompson, FOXNews.com, 30 May 2026
Arsenal defender Gabriel Magalhaes fired the last of his team’s penalties over the bar to hand PSG the shootout win.
—James Robson, Los Angeles Times, 30 May 2026
Members of Miami's Haitian community pressed against a stage on a rainy Saturday to cheer on forward Duckens Nazon, defender Martin Experience and other members of the country's national soccer team ahead of a pair of friendly matches next week.
—CBS News, 30 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for defender
Recent Examples of Synonyms for defender
Noun
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Due to safety concerns, the age restriction for overwater villa stays is 13 and up, though parents or guardians can sign a waiver upon booking.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
1 June 2026
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Their protagonists tend to be runaways—men who join whaling expeditions in their haste to dodge the malaise that sets in on shore, boys who board rafts floating down the Mississippi to evade their guardians and their chores.—
Becca Rothfeld,
New Yorker,
1 June 2026
Noun
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Any third party permitted access to customer information qualifies, including your CRM platform, portfolio management software, custodians, legal counsel and managed IT partner.—
Ben Tercha,
Forbes.com,
28 May 2026
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The Enthoven family refer to themselves as custodians of Spier, an indication of their long-view commitment to their 620-ha parcel of land.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
27 May 2026
Noun
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Matthew, the calm, analytical protector, works as a paralegal in Virginia.—
Rob Picheta,
CNN Money,
28 May 2026
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The Thunder’s perimeter defense sometimes feels impenetrable and is anchored on the back line by Chet Holmgren, one of the best rim protectors in basketball.—
James L. Edwards III,
New York Times,
27 May 2026
Noun
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Carpenter requested that her sister, Sarah, and her sister’s boyfriend, guitarist George Smith, be added to the protection order as well since the couple reside in her Los Angeles home.—
Emily St. Martin,
Los Angeles Times,
2 June 2026
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Here, as ever, Kokopeli suggests that clinging to youthful talismans offers no protection against uncertainty, and reasserts the odd mix of disaffection and morbid glee produced by such reactionary impulses.—
Theo Belci,
Artforum,
2 June 2026
Noun
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Neild was previously Kate's bodyguard and worked with her in the height of their reality TV fame.—
Jessica Sager,
PEOPLE,
28 May 2026
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Upon leaving the White House in March 1909, Roosevelt presented the canvas to his chief disbursing officer, Crook, who had served as one of Lincoln's personal bodyguards during the final year of his life.—
Douglas Brinkley,
USA Today,
24 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Defender.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/defender. Accessed 5 Jun. 2026.
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