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
Markanich chased down a long ball over the top, got on the outside of defender Mauricio Cuevas and slipped the ball under Galaxy goalkeeper JT Marcinkowski.
—
Damian Calhoun, Daily News, 5 Apr. 2026
Chancalay flicked a low cross from near the left post through a crowd of defenders for a one-touch finish by Yeboah into a wide-open net that gave Minnesota the lead for good in the 67th minute.
—CBS News, 5 Apr. 2026
Other key departures included striker Bia Zaneratto (12 goals and seven assists in two years); longtime defender Hailie Mace (signed with Orlando); 31-year-old Canadian winger Nichelle Prince (traded to Boston); and 18-year-old winger Alex Pfeiffer.
—Pj Green
april 5, Kansas City Star, 5 Apr. 2026
Son’s cross was redirected into the net by Orlando defender David Brekalo to give LAFC a 1-0 lead in the seventh minute.
—Los Angeles Times, 5 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for defender
Damian Calhoun, Daily News, 5 Apr. 2026
Chancalay flicked a low cross from near the left post through a crowd of defenders for a one-touch finish by Yeboah into a wide-open net that gave Minnesota the lead for good in the 67th minute.
—CBS News, 5 Apr. 2026
Other key departures included striker Bia Zaneratto (12 goals and seven assists in two years); longtime defender Hailie Mace (signed with Orlando); 31-year-old Canadian winger Nichelle Prince (traded to Boston); and 18-year-old winger Alex Pfeiffer.
—Pj Green
april 5, Kansas City Star, 5 Apr. 2026
Son’s cross was redirected into the net by Orlando defender David Brekalo to give LAFC a 1-0 lead in the seventh minute.
—Los Angeles Times, 5 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for defender
Recent Examples of Synonyms for defender
Noun
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Police said officers remained at the school as a precaution and said there was no need for parents or guardians to respond before dismissal.—
Justin Muszynski,
Hartford Courant,
8 Apr. 2026
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While the breed’s protective instincts are part of its history as a working guardian dog, Fallon says that same quality can also feel empowering in her everyday life.—
Valerie Mesa,
PEOPLE,
7 Apr. 2026
Noun
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The District 130 school board is set to spend up to $150,000 on an outside custodian contract that its own custodians claim the district does not need.—
Addison Wright,
Chicago Tribune,
8 Apr. 2026
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The union represents more than 30,000 district employees, including teacher aides, bus drivers, cafeteria workers, computer techs, custodians and gardeners.—
Howard Blume,
Los Angeles Times,
7 Apr. 2026
Noun
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Marvel’s Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur (Disney+) Lunella Lafayette (voiced by Diamond White), a genius teen and protector of her New York City neighborhood, takes on the challenges of superhero life alongside her massive partner, Devil Dinosaur (Fred Tatasciore).—
Hilary Lewis,
HollywoodReporter,
9 Apr. 2026
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At only 6-foot-4, White is the NBA’s shortest rim-protector, someone who the Celtics have used in a new way this season — and with roaring success.—
Fred Katz,
New York Times,
8 Apr. 2026
Noun
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County staff told the Herald there won’t be a deal if there aren’t sufficient public protections.—
Claire Heddles,
Miami Herald,
7 Apr. 2026
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The styles have polarized lenses and feature 100% UVA/UVB protection.—
Tory Johnson,
ABC News,
7 Apr. 2026
Noun
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Spanning several decades, the film tracks Frank's evolution from truck driver to trusted gunman for crime boss Russell Bufalino (Joe Pesci) and bodyguard for the infamous Jimmy Hoffa (Al Pacino).—
Kevin Jacobsen,
Entertainment Weekly,
9 Apr. 2026
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The video shows Robinson, also known as Mike King, and Crockett's other bodyguards allegedly assaulting two men at a public event while Dallas police officers appeared to stand by, refusing to intervene.—
J.D. Miles,
CBS News,
7 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Defender.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/defender. Accessed 13 Apr. 2026.
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