as in guardians
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 defenders
Asked about 1994, Argentine coach Nestor Lorenzo avoided it like Diaz does defenders, talking about preparation and focus and logistics.
—
Mark Zeigler, San Diego Union-Tribune, 8 June 2026
Herbert was hit more times by opposing defenders than any other quarterback in 2025.
—Elliott Teaford, Oc Register, 8 June 2026
Meanwhile, Nico Hoerner was the starting shortstop in Saturday’s lineup, with rookie infielder Pedro Ramírez covering second base, underlining the potential options for a club with several versatile defenders.
—Patrick Mooney, New York Times, 7 June 2026
And again when Towns drove to the basket and leaped, with four Spurs defenders collapsing on him, then threaded the ball through the Spurs’ defenders to Bridges in the corner for the open shot.
—Louisa Thomas, New Yorker, 7 June 2026
When defenders rely on recognition and attackers design artifacts to be single-use, the advantage shifts.
—Ken Ammon, Forbes.com, 1 June 2026
Then in the 93rd minute, Taylor Suarez found herself in a good spot, but her shot was scuffed as two defenders crowded her on the goal line, and Sheridan would eventually fall on the ball.
—Damian Calhoun, Daily News, 1 June 2026
But by halftime the score was level after Australia scored on both wings through James Turner and Ethan McFarland, who broke through two defenders each.
—ABC News, 31 May 2026
Even his most reliable defenders and apologists were growing weary of the talk about these tariffs, which are only just now starting to be felt.
—Philip Elliott, Time, 9 Apr. 2025
Mark Zeigler, San Diego Union-Tribune, 8 June 2026
Herbert was hit more times by opposing defenders than any other quarterback in 2025.
—Elliott Teaford, Oc Register, 8 June 2026
Meanwhile, Nico Hoerner was the starting shortstop in Saturday’s lineup, with rookie infielder Pedro Ramírez covering second base, underlining the potential options for a club with several versatile defenders.
—Patrick Mooney, New York Times, 7 June 2026
And again when Towns drove to the basket and leaped, with four Spurs defenders collapsing on him, then threaded the ball through the Spurs’ defenders to Bridges in the corner for the open shot.
—Louisa Thomas, New Yorker, 7 June 2026
When defenders rely on recognition and attackers design artifacts to be single-use, the advantage shifts.
—Ken Ammon, Forbes.com, 1 June 2026
Then in the 93rd minute, Taylor Suarez found herself in a good spot, but her shot was scuffed as two defenders crowded her on the goal line, and Sheridan would eventually fall on the ball.
—Damian Calhoun, Daily News, 1 June 2026
But by halftime the score was level after Australia scored on both wings through James Turner and Ethan McFarland, who broke through two defenders each.
—ABC News, 31 May 2026
Even his most reliable defenders and apologists were growing weary of the talk about these tariffs, which are only just now starting to be felt.
—Philip Elliott, Time, 9 Apr. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for defenders
Noun
-
The bill also encourages private professional guardians to meet with the allegedly disabled adult prior to being appointed to the case or as soon as is feasible.—
Emily Hoerner,
Chicago Tribune,
6 June 2026
-
Parents must foot the bill for these guardians, and split the cost based on their income.—
Shira Moolten,
Sun Sentinel,
4 June 2026
Noun
-
Parents or legal guardians must opt into the program by filing an IRS form for a qualifying child, and other account custodians can contribute up to an additional $5,000 per child annually in post-tax funds.—
Ty Roush,
Forbes.com,
28 May 2026
-
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
-
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
-
Healthcare workers become targets instead of protectors.—
Steve Brozak,
Forbes.com,
25 May 2026
Noun
-
The agreement also includes protections against subcontracting and automation.—
Austin Turner,
CBS News,
9 June 2026
-
In April, Anthropic opted against releasing its latest model, Mythos, expressing concern that the tool could be used to bypass cybersecurity protections across the internet.—
Max Zahn,
ABC News,
9 June 2026
Noun
-
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
-
Members of the Jalisco cartel have been charged with orchestrating the attack and several of Manzo’s bodyguards were arrested for possible participation.—
Kate Linthicum,
Los Angeles Times,
18 May 2026
Noun
-
Former detainees held at Camp East Montana detailed consistent abuses by guards in interviews with the USA TODAY Network, echoing allegations raised in the lawsuit.—
Trevor Hughes,
USA Today,
9 June 2026
-
After seven months, Rohde and his interpreter escaped a compound where they were being kept by waiting for the guards to sleep and then using a rope to scale down the wall.—
Aaron Katersky,
ABC News,
9 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Defenders.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/defenders. Accessed 11 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
