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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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of defenders
This made more sense at Palace a week earlier as Liverpool were on the front foot and attacking, but against Chelsea, the game was much tighter and required the strength of dedicated defenders.
—
The Athletic Uk Staff, New York Times, 7 Oct. 2025
Of the 20 Dolphins who played on defense Sunday, PFF said the seven worst run defenders were defensive tackles Zach Sieler, Matthew Butler and Jordan Phillips; safety Ashtyn Davis; linebacker Jaelan Phillips; cornerback Jack Jones (who was next to last) and Grant (last).
—Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 6 Oct. 2025
Two linebackers and a safety leading in sacks shows how much the defense is relying on extra defenders to generate pressure.
—Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 6 Oct. 2025
Manes’ defenders pointed out she had been cleared by the internal inquiry and was implementing a policy dictated from Washington.
—T. Christian Miller, ProPublica, 30 Sep. 2025
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
The Athletic Uk Staff, New York Times, 7 Oct. 2025
Of the 20 Dolphins who played on defense Sunday, PFF said the seven worst run defenders were defensive tackles Zach Sieler, Matthew Butler and Jordan Phillips; safety Ashtyn Davis; linebacker Jaelan Phillips; cornerback Jack Jones (who was next to last) and Grant (last).
—Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 6 Oct. 2025
Two linebackers and a safety leading in sacks shows how much the defense is relying on extra defenders to generate pressure.
—Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 6 Oct. 2025
Manes’ defenders pointed out she had been cleared by the internal inquiry and was implementing a policy dictated from Washington.
—T. Christian Miller, ProPublica, 30 Sep. 2025
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
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The juvenile's guardians found two weapons with ammunition and gave them to police.—
Cathy Kozlowicz,
jsonline.com,
4 Oct. 2025
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Sweeney’s brother and sister-in-law had taken him in as guardians.—
Amanda Castro,
MSNBC Newsweek,
3 Oct. 2025
Noun
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Law enforcement are exempt from the law, as well as custodians, maintenance workers, and those providing medical assistance.—
Abby Monteil,
Them.,
23 Sep. 2025
-
Two centuries ago, the Litunga (king) turned what had been his private hunting grounds over to his people as custodians.—
Mazuba Kapambwe,
AFAR Media,
10 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
If all that wasn’t enough, 12 gold Arthurian knights have been positioned around the dial, acting as the Lady’s loyal protectors and hour markers.—
Rachel Cormack,
Robb Report,
30 Sep. 2025
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As outside interests seek to exploit the Kiamichi River in southeastern Oklahoma, a group of Indigenous water protectors, community leaders, and activists come together to preserve their home.—
Matthew Carey,
Deadline,
28 Sep. 2025
Noun
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Meta countered that its protections for young people extend to AI interactions.—
Eva Roytburg,
Fortune,
2 Oct. 2025
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Besides a brand-new design, the cards also have enhanced anti-counterfeit protections.—
Hannah Poukish,
Sacbee.com,
2 Oct. 2025
Noun
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Hamas confirmed that six people were killed in the Doha strike, including the son of senior leader Khalil al-Hayya, his chief of staff and three bodyguards.—
Amira El-Fekki,
MSNBC Newsweek,
10 Sep. 2025
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One of her bodyguards was killed in a shootout.—
Ray Long,
Chicago Tribune,
3 Sep. 2025
Noun
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The squad has a deeper bench this season thanks to the additions of guards Jordan Clarkson and Malcolm Brogdon and big man Guerschon Yabusele.—
Robert Marvi,
MSNBC Newsweek,
1 Oct. 2025
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Harris was one of the best defensive guards available in the portal, and Rodriguez has been a solid contributor for Spain’s youth teams and played in the country’s top league (the ACB).—
CJ Moore,
New York Times,
1 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Defenders.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/defenders. Accessed 8 Oct. 2025.
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