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
But both Guttenberg and Wasserman Schultz expressed hope that a reasonable proposal can meet the approval of the Second Amendment’s most ardent defenders.
—
Rafael Olmeda, Sun Sentinel, 13 Feb. 2026
During Friday's hearing, the judge appointed the public defender's office to represent Perez and noted the seriousness of the allegations, adding that the victim had reportedly been caring for him.
—Abby Dodge, CBS News, 13 Feb. 2026
But to be able to bring in a young, exciting player that plays all over the diamond, a strong defender, an elite defender, elite baserunner (who) can make contact … very strong instincts for the game.
—Paul Sullivan, Chicago Tribune, 12 Feb. 2026
Without one of its best defenders, TCU had to lean on its depth in the backcourt against Baylor.
—Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 12 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for defender
Rafael Olmeda, Sun Sentinel, 13 Feb. 2026
During Friday's hearing, the judge appointed the public defender's office to represent Perez and noted the seriousness of the allegations, adding that the victim had reportedly been caring for him.
—Abby Dodge, CBS News, 13 Feb. 2026
But to be able to bring in a young, exciting player that plays all over the diamond, a strong defender, an elite defender, elite baserunner (who) can make contact … very strong instincts for the game.
—Paul Sullivan, Chicago Tribune, 12 Feb. 2026
Without one of its best defenders, TCU had to lean on its depth in the backcourt against Baylor.
—Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 12 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for defender
Recent Examples of Synonyms for defender
Noun
-
And so the city was exposed to future hurricanes, and lost the living guardians whose roots held the land in place.—
Melina Walling,
Los Angeles Times,
19 Feb. 2026
-
Investigators determined Colgrove was the legal guardian for her 4-year-old grandson.—
Elissa Jorgensen,
Dallas Morning News,
16 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Those roles fall to separate custodians and depositories.—
Sharon Wu,
USA Today,
19 Feb. 2026
-
His members include special education and teacher aides, cafeteria workers, custodians, gardeners and bus drivers.—
Howard Blume,
Los Angeles Times,
18 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
After Miles Killebrew’s injury, Peppers served as the personal protector on the punt team.—
Mike DeFabo,
New York Times,
17 Feb. 2026
-
Your desire to be a protector is probably very powerful!—
Tarot.com,
The Orlando Sentinel,
15 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
That the Big Apple was owned by Mora and his wife, who was Black, provided a level of protection that activists found in rare supply.—
Marc Ramirez,
USA Today,
17 Feb. 2026
-
The thick wedge heel makes these a perfect day-to-night boot, and to top it off, they’re crafted from a water-repellent upper for protection from the elements.—
Sophie Dodd,
Travel + Leisure,
16 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Nearing midnight, a VIP section was created, behind which Jack Harlow soon solemnly sat with some friends, a bodyguard standing watch.—
Leigh Nordstrom,
Footwear News,
15 Feb. 2026
-
When, at my photographer’s request, the president approaches the window of his office to open the blinds, his bodyguard lurches forward to close them.—
Simon Shuster,
The Atlantic,
12 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Defender.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/defender. Accessed 22 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
