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
Raymond Berry, football Berry caught a then-league-record 631 passes for the Colts at a time when defenders could punish receivers.
—
Baltimore Sun Staff, Baltimore Sun, 23 Mar. 2026
And midway through the second quarter, the Aztecs started hitting open shots in the corners when the Cowgirls’ defenders took away the inside.
—Bill Center, San Diego Union-Tribune, 23 Mar. 2026
Adebayo, 28, has established himself as one of the NBA’s best and most versatile defenders at 6-foot-9 and 255 pounds.
—Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 23 Mar. 2026
For much of Demary’s 22 minutes, he was joined on the court by his backup, Malachi Smith, giving the Huskies two ballhandlers and facilitators, and two pesky defenders.
—Dom Amore, Hartford Courant, 23 Mar. 2026
Early in the second half, Mirković drove the lane to draw defenders and then lofted it up for another Ivišić alley-oop.
—Colleen Kane, Chicago Tribune, 23 Mar. 2026
The other team, Episcopal staffers remember, put five defenders on Waddle.
—Luca Evans, Denver Post, 22 Mar. 2026
Things looked good for Lyon when Brazil forward Endrick set up midfielder Pavel Šulc in the 42nd minute, skipping past two defenders down the right before cutting the ball back to the Czech midfielder near the penalty spot.
—ABC News, 22 Mar. 2026
On the opening shift, Boldy got the puck at the far blue line, weaved though a few Rangers defenders and fired through a screen to beat the New York goalie just 35 seconds into the period.
—Jess Myers, Twin Cities, 15 Mar. 2026
Baltimore Sun Staff, Baltimore Sun, 23 Mar. 2026
And midway through the second quarter, the Aztecs started hitting open shots in the corners when the Cowgirls’ defenders took away the inside.
—Bill Center, San Diego Union-Tribune, 23 Mar. 2026
Adebayo, 28, has established himself as one of the NBA’s best and most versatile defenders at 6-foot-9 and 255 pounds.
—Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 23 Mar. 2026
For much of Demary’s 22 minutes, he was joined on the court by his backup, Malachi Smith, giving the Huskies two ballhandlers and facilitators, and two pesky defenders.
—Dom Amore, Hartford Courant, 23 Mar. 2026
Early in the second half, Mirković drove the lane to draw defenders and then lofted it up for another Ivišić alley-oop.
—Colleen Kane, Chicago Tribune, 23 Mar. 2026
The other team, Episcopal staffers remember, put five defenders on Waddle.
—Luca Evans, Denver Post, 22 Mar. 2026
Things looked good for Lyon when Brazil forward Endrick set up midfielder Pavel Šulc in the 42nd minute, skipping past two defenders down the right before cutting the ball back to the Czech midfielder near the penalty spot.
—ABC News, 22 Mar. 2026
On the opening shift, Boldy got the puck at the far blue line, weaved though a few Rangers defenders and fired through a screen to beat the New York goalie just 35 seconds into the period.
—Jess Myers, Twin Cities, 15 Mar. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for defenders
Noun
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Parents and guardians can request women drivers for teen riders.—
Kurt Knutsson,
FOXNews.com,
19 Mar. 2026
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The roughly 93-square-mile base houses the 49th Wing, which supports national security work and includes combat-ready airmen and guardians, according to its website.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
18 Mar. 2026
Noun
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The union represents more than 30,000 district employees, including teacher aides, bus drivers, cafeteria workers, computer techs, custodians and gardeners.—
Howard Blume,
Los Angeles Times,
19 Mar. 2026
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Most gold custodians allow investors to complete the application online or over the phone, and approval typically occurs within a few days once identity verification and basic documentation are completed.—
Angelica Leicht,
CBS News,
16 Mar. 2026
Noun
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Preservation Chicago and Landmarks Illinois remain invaluable protectors of our architectural heritage.—
Jennifer N. Pritzker,
Chicago Tribune,
22 Mar. 2026
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Old bed sheets are the perfect textile protectors, keeping your couch looking and smelling fresh for longer.—
Louise Parks,
Martha Stewart,
13 Mar. 2026
Noun
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Jordan said the surveillance program has changed significantly in recent years to add more guardrails for Fourth Amendment protections, citing dozens of reforms enacted by Congress.—
Kaelan Deese,
The Washington Examiner,
25 Mar. 2026
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In 2024, Governor Ron DeSantis signed legislation that prohibits cities and counties from creating their own heat exposure protections for outdoor workers—a move critics say limits local efforts to address extreme working conditions.—
Ivan Taylor,
CBS News,
25 Mar. 2026
Noun
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Big leaguers playing in winter leagues back in Venezuela have historically brought bodyguards with them to the ballpark.—
Hannah Keyser,
CNN Money,
11 Mar. 2026
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In the film, Molly (Gina Ravera), who is the friend and roommate of protagonist Nomi (Elizabeth Berkley), is assaulted by a famous singer and his bodyguards.—
Daysia Tolentino,
Entertainment Weekly,
11 Mar. 2026
Noun
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Stipends and guards are temporary dressings on a chronic wound.—
Noo Saro-Wiwa,
The Dial,
24 Mar. 2026
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Witten Van Hoy, Wesley Harvey and Samir Camacho all stood out physically and will have a chance to compete with some older veterans like transfer guards Jaheim Buchanon and Noah McKinney.—
Steven Johnson,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
24 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Defenders.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/defenders. Accessed 27 Mar. 2026.
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