as in guardians
someone that protects
one of the traditional roles of an older brother is that of schoolyard defender
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Recent Examples of defenders
Galarza sent a cross to Enciso, who was unmarked by Germany's defenders and easily headed it past goalkeeper Manuel Neuer.
—
Kyle Hightower,
CBS News,
30 June 2026
The ringleader is Virgil van Dijk, one of the best defenders of his generation with Liverpool, who has captained the Oranje for a national record 72 appearances and represented the Dutch national team for a decade.
—
Andrew Greif,
NBC news,
30 June 2026
He’s flanked by more individually talented defenders than ever, with Cason Wallace disrupting ballhandlers and Alex Caruso as versatile as any of the team’s guard defenders.
—
Joel Lorenzi,
New York Times,
29 June 2026
For defenders, a subsidy regime this complex is vulnerable not only to broad repeal, but to administrative friction.
—
Andrew Leahey,
Forbes.com,
29 June 2026
The low kick barely above the grass surface split two Jordan defenders and went into the left corner of the net.
—
Schuyler Dixon,
Chicago Tribune,
28 June 2026
Coach Bora Milutinovic’s strategy of packing the field with defenders, starting only one forward, seemed to be paying off.
—
Gabriel Sama,
Mercury News,
28 June 2026
The party’s rhetoric, which includes nativism and calling to move on from the shadow of the Holocaust, has ignited allegations of antisemitism from leading Jewish voices in Germany, even as the party and its defenders say its policies are ideal to keep Jews safe.
—
Toby Axelrod,
Sun Sentinel,
22 June 2026
After missing a penalty in the game’s third minute, Messi rebounded with a strike from 15 yards away in the 38th minute and an unreal dodge of multiple Austrian defenders for a second goal in the fifth minute of second-half stoppage time.
—
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
22 June 2026
Kyle Hightower,
CBS News,
30 June 2026
The ringleader is Virgil van Dijk, one of the best defenders of his generation with Liverpool, who has captained the Oranje for a national record 72 appearances and represented the Dutch national team for a decade.
—
Andrew Greif,
NBC news,
30 June 2026
He’s flanked by more individually talented defenders than ever, with Cason Wallace disrupting ballhandlers and Alex Caruso as versatile as any of the team’s guard defenders.
—
Joel Lorenzi,
New York Times,
29 June 2026
For defenders, a subsidy regime this complex is vulnerable not only to broad repeal, but to administrative friction.
—
Andrew Leahey,
Forbes.com,
29 June 2026
The low kick barely above the grass surface split two Jordan defenders and went into the left corner of the net.
—
Schuyler Dixon,
Chicago Tribune,
28 June 2026
Coach Bora Milutinovic’s strategy of packing the field with defenders, starting only one forward, seemed to be paying off.
—
Gabriel Sama,
Mercury News,
28 June 2026
The party’s rhetoric, which includes nativism and calling to move on from the shadow of the Holocaust, has ignited allegations of antisemitism from leading Jewish voices in Germany, even as the party and its defenders say its policies are ideal to keep Jews safe.
—
Toby Axelrod,
Sun Sentinel,
22 June 2026
After missing a penalty in the game’s third minute, Messi rebounded with a strike from 15 yards away in the 38th minute and an unreal dodge of multiple Austrian defenders for a second goal in the fifth minute of second-half stoppage time.
—
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
22 June 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for defenders
Noun
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This winning series captures a row of poplar trees planted along the banks of the River Po in Italy, which are natural guardians against flooding, now standing immersed in perfectly still water beneath soft, diffused light.
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After July 4, parents, guardians, grandparents and others can also contribute up to $5,000 a year.
Noun
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Williams has never lacked interpreters, custodians, handlers, or rescuers with pruning shears.
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Some custodians give checkbooks to IRA owners.
Noun
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Defense The primary reason the Lakers likely chose Kessler over offering a max deal to Detroit Pistons restricted free agent Jalen Duren is that Kessler is one of the NBA’s best rim protectors.
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Krypto is one of the protectors of the universe, like Sagittarius, which is why the Superdog is one of the most interesting stars of the movie.
Noun
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In a 6-3 ruling split along ideological lines, the Supreme Court determined that federal caps on coordinated spending between candidates and political parties violate constitutional free speech protections.
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Hawaii The state allows participation based on gender identity, with protections rooted in broader state anti-discrimination laws.
Noun
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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.
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Members of the Jalisco cartel have been charged with orchestrating the attack and several of Manzo’s bodyguards were arrested for possible participation.
Noun
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The Lakers were eliminated by Oklahoma City, who relied on standout performances from young guards Jared McCain and Ajay Mitchell to overcome a quiet series from Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and an injury to Jalen Williams.
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Armed guards routinely patrol outside synagogues, Jewish community centers and schools.
Cite this Entry
“Defenders.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/defenders. Accessed 6 Jul. 2026.
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