Thesaurus results for 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

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 OpenAI is also sharing its architecture and lessons from its previous sprint, along with a blueprint for empowering cyber defenders across industry and government. — Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 3 Nov. 2026 Johnson’s 15-yard run in the third quarter, a play during which five Denver defenders had a shot, was a big moment in a touchdown drive. — Blair Kerkhoff, Kansas City Star, 2 Nov. 2026 Marshall had his highest PFF grade of the season, ranking fourth among all Miami defenders on Sunday — behind Jacob Rodriguez, Kyle Louis and Jordan Phillips. — Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 2 Nov. 2026 So through the exhibition games, UConn’s defense was there, even though Azzi Fudd, one of the best defenders in the country, is now in the WNBA. — Dom Amore, Hartford Courant, 1 Nov. 2026 What makes this Riley remix different from the Big Three era is the presence of two prominent back-line defenders. — Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 1 Nov. 2026 Some fans are staunch defenders of the polarizing pork sandwich, which consists of a boneless pork patty smothered in tangy barbecue sauce, topped with onions and pickles and served on a toasted roll. — Sadie Chafe, FOXNews.com, 26 Oct. 2026 In front of their 100th straight sellout, the Utes took a while to get going and their misdirection offense didn't seem to be fooling any Houston defenders. — ABC News, 25 Oct. 2026 Soon Rakowski was firing the ball to a wide-open Flowers for a 43-yard touchdown as two helpless Mira Costa defenders gave pursuit. — Eric Sondheimer, Los Angeles Times, 25 Oct. 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for defenders

Noun

Parents or guardians of minors will be held responsible for administrative penalties, but will not be held criminally responsible.

— Madison Smalstig, Sacbee.com, 12 Nov. 2026
And even in parks, parents and guardians have to keep children stiflingly close, out of the path of all the bionic combos of muscle and machinery barreling through.

— Justin Davidson, Curbed, 5 Nov. 2026

Definition of guardians

Noun

The tracker meanwhile gets black cast wheels, a gray frame and swingarm, extended mudguards, handguards, fork protectors, a flyscreen and a different seat.

— New Atlas, New Atlas, 5 Nov. 2026
Tips To Keep Your Mattress Clean Longer Put mattress protectors on every bed in your home to prevent stains and spots.

— Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 1 Nov. 2026

Definition of protectors

Noun

The Destination Stewardship Plan 2026–2030, meanwhile, shifts the focus from mainly growing tourism to managing its impact with protections for culture and the environment with a greater share flowing to island communities.

— Megan Spurrell, Condé Nast Traveler, 13 Nov. 2026
The agreement includes noise restrictions, environmental safeguards, and other protections for nearby residents.

— Doug Myers, CBS News, 13 Nov. 2026

Definition of protections

Noun

The shah of Iran booked one table for himself and his wife, and three for his bodyguards.

— Jessica Craig-Martin, Vanity Fair, 10 Nov. 2026
He was dressed in his campaign uniform of a Carhartt jacket over a tight black T-shirt and dark-wash jeans, and accompanied by his three bodyguards.

— Eliza Griswold, New Yorker, 30 Oct. 2026

Definition of bodyguards

Noun

His absence has created additional backcourt opportunities for Nolan Traoré and Brown, two young guards whose roles continue to evolve.

— C.J. Holmes, New York Daily News, 8 Nov. 2026
His matchup with Michigan point guard Elliot Cadeau, the Final Four Most Outstanding Player and another one of the best lead guards in the country, was personal.

— Joe Arruda, Hartford Courant, 7 Nov. 2026

Definition of guards

Browse Nearby Words

defender

defenders

defending

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Defenders.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/defenders. Accessed 14 Nov. 2026.

Copy Citation

Synonyms of defenders

noun

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

boilerplate

Popular in Grammar & Usage

How to Use 'Who' vs. 'Whom'

31 Useful Rhetorical Devices

More Commonly Misspelled Words

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

'Affect' vs. 'Effect'

Popular in Wordplay

Great Big List of Beautiful and Useless Words, Vol. 5

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

The Longest Long Words List

The Words of the Week - Nov. 13

Even More Bird Names that Sound Like Insults (and Sometimes Are)

Popular

How to Use 'Who' vs. 'Whom'

Great Big List of Beautiful and Useless Words, Vol. 5

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

Games & Quizzes