Synonyms of defenders

defenders

noun

plural of defender

as in guardians

someone that protects

one of the traditional roles of an older brother is that of schoolyard defender

Synonyms & Similar Words

• guardians
• custodians
• protectors
• protections
• bodyguards
• guards
• keepers
• guardian angels
• champions
• sentinels
• sentries
• wardens
• warders
• watchdogs
• watchmen
• preservers
• watches
• savers
• lookouts
• conservers
• harborers

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of defenders

And the two players in the Heat’s starting unit who haven’t yet earned that honor — Mitchell and Wiggins — are both considered quality perimeter defenders. — Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 19 Oct. 2026

Smith tracked the pass from Julian Sayin and outjumped two defenders in the end zone for his 12th touchdown catch of the season and the 39th of his three-year college career. — Mark Long, Chicago Tribune, 18 Oct. 2026

But the Hurricanes passer evaded FSU defenders on a key play early in the second quarter, escaping two would-be tacklers and throwing downfield to a wide-open Daylyn Upshaw for a 44-yard gain. — Adam Lichtenstein, Sun Sentinel, 18 Oct. 2026

That allowed Ojeda, just inside the top of the 18-yard box, to chip a first-touch pass over four defenders to a charging Griezmann on the give-and-go for a first-touch finish from 7 yards out. — Kyle Foley, The Orlando Sentinel, 17 Oct. 2026

Defensive end George Karlaftis led all Chiefs defenders with 11, including the game’s most important one — beating three blockers to get to Kirk Cousins and force a bad throw that KC’s Xavier Nwankpa intercepted to seal the win. — Pete Sweeney, Kansas City Star, 16 Oct. 2026

Brunson beats defenders with skill and not size, relying on footwork, fakes and spins that create angles to get his shot off against taller defenders. — ABC News, 16 Oct. 2026

Tiffany Hayes, Gabby Williams and Kaitlyn Chen were living in the lane during the semifinals, but Canada and Gray are sturdier defenders at the point of attack. — Sabreena Merchant, New York Times, 16 Oct. 2026

But the Hang Seng is up, and defenders say Beijing will ensure Hong Kong’s success. — David J. Lynch, Washington Post, 15 Oct. 2026