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

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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 On today's episode of Tech Camp, co-hosts Emily Kwong and Regina Barber chase the rapid evolution of cybersecurity, which has led to an arms race between hackers and defenders. — Emily Kwong, NPR, 3 Aug. 2026 Lee said that tracks with Simmons’ ability to read coverages and anticipate where defenders are. — Vahe Gregorian, Kansas City Star, 3 Aug. 2026 Banks nearly had another one on Winston in the final 11-on-11 situational period, but the ball clanged off his hands near the goal line … Dart strangely lowered his shoulder on a QB run to the right on one play and made some contact with defenders. — Pat Leonard, New York Daily News, 3 Aug. 2026 There’s a long-standing truism in the world of physical attacks that defenders need to succeed every time, but attackers need to succeed just once. — Zak Doffman, Forbes.com, 2 Aug. 2026 Akoa Makani is a career 41 percent shooter from 3-point range and was been one of the better pick-and-roll defenders in the league last year before Phoenix’s defense fell off a cliff in 2026. — Sabreena Merchant, New York Times, 2 Aug. 2026 Off a turnover, second half substitute Trinity Byars drew multiple defenders to her before the ball found its way to Godfrey. — ABC News, 2 Aug. 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for defenders

Noun

In a statement Wednesday, police urged parents and guardians to have open conversations with their children about safe touch and inappropriate adult behavior.

— Tim Fang, CBS News, 30 July 2026
The pieces resonate with fellow Eaton fire survivors, some of whom embrace the whimsical figures as protective guardians and first artworks in new homes.

— Emily Tarinelli, Los Angeles Times, 29 July 2026

Definition of guardians

Noun

While custodians often calculate RMDs, taxpayers should verify these amounts, as errors can still lead to IRS penalties.

— Bob Carlson, Forbes.com, 29 July 2026
Even a band like Opeth, unwavering custodians of 21st-century prog, hardly share much in common with other metal bands representing this style.

— Sam Goldner, Pitchfork, 19 July 2026

Definition of custodians

Noun

Linn said dogs were often seen in the Bronze Age and mythology as protectors, often guarding the house.

— Maddie Rhodes, USA Today, 24 July 2026
Six legs and a center support help create a stable foundation, while linen protectors cover the rail ends and floor-friendly glides help prevent scratches on hard floors.

— Erika Owen, Architectural Digest, 22 July 2026

Definition of protectors

Noun

In June, a federal judge ruled against Katherine and Garry Leach, finding that federal courts could not weigh in on how churches spend their donations, citing First Amendment protections.

— Giles Hudson, CBS News, 1 Aug. 2026
Children who are victims of trafficking or abuse, for example, are entitled to special protections.

— Chiara Eisner, NPR, 1 Aug. 2026

Definition of protections

Noun

His teammates - more akin to bodyguards this summer - do the dirty work, which leaves Messi to focus solely on unlocking the opposition’s defense with his unrivaled quality.

— Ben Church, CNN Money, 19 July 2026
All eyes on the Crab Rodríguez Castro entered through the back door of El Antojo restaurant in Old Havana several days later, flanked by bodyguards.

— Romina Ruiz-Goiriena, USA Today, 6 July 2026

Definition of bodyguards

Noun

However, last year’s team featured a nauseating number of guards, so these Bulls boast a crowded frontcourt and aren’t in dire need of Mathurin’s skill set.

— Joel Lorenzi, New York Times, 1 Aug. 2026
Currently, state law restricts open carry of firearms only in public buildings with security measures like metal detectors and guards.

— Rashad Alexander, Kansas City Star, 31 July 2026

Definition of guards

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“Defenders.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/defenders. Accessed 6 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of defenders

noun

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