1
as in protects
to drive danger or attack away from
a solemn oath to defend the mother country at any cost
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in justifies
to continue to declare to be true or proper despite opposition or objections
she will pigheadedly defend any claim regardless of all evidence to the contrary
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of defends
Continue reading … MEDIA HOLD THE LINE — Marlon Wayans defends Dave Chappelle's trans jokes while having transgender child.
—
FOXNews.com, 27 May 2026
Leppla understands people’s frustration with the creatures but defends them, to a point.
—Martin E. Comas, The Orlando Sentinel, 27 May 2026
Arlington Mayor Jim Ross defends why the expense did not need to go to a ballot.
—Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 22 May 2026
Baltimore Police Commissioner defends officers' actions after suicidal man is shot dead during crisis.
—Tara Lynch, CBS News, 22 May 2026
The city attorney reviews and approves contracts and ordinances for legal compliance, defends the city against lawsuits, and brings civil lawsuits on behalf of the city.
—The Editorial Board, Daily News, 20 May 2026
But the Lakers would have been in a tough spot without Smart this season, a player who still defends multiple positions at a high level and has a knack for making critical plays on both ends.
—Law Murray, New York Times, 18 May 2026
In the present day, the twins get fired when Racine defends her sister at work.
—Jourdain Searles, HollywoodReporter, 13 May 2026
But what struck some as fantastical Nolan defends as feasible.
—Eliana Dockterman, Time, 12 May 2026
FOXNews.com, 27 May 2026
Leppla understands people’s frustration with the creatures but defends them, to a point.
—Martin E. Comas, The Orlando Sentinel, 27 May 2026
Arlington Mayor Jim Ross defends why the expense did not need to go to a ballot.
—Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 22 May 2026
Baltimore Police Commissioner defends officers' actions after suicidal man is shot dead during crisis.
—Tara Lynch, CBS News, 22 May 2026
The city attorney reviews and approves contracts and ordinances for legal compliance, defends the city against lawsuits, and brings civil lawsuits on behalf of the city.
—The Editorial Board, Daily News, 20 May 2026
But the Lakers would have been in a tough spot without Smart this season, a player who still defends multiple positions at a high level and has a knack for making critical plays on both ends.
—Law Murray, New York Times, 18 May 2026
In the present day, the twins get fired when Racine defends her sister at work.
—Jourdain Searles, HollywoodReporter, 13 May 2026
But what struck some as fantastical Nolan defends as feasible.
—Eliana Dockterman, Time, 12 May 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for defends
Verb
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Structure protects relationships by establishing expectations before they are needed.—
Sharon Olson,
Forbes.com,
1 June 2026
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Reaching out to a reputable debt relief professional while the account is still in collections, rather than in court, gives you more time to find a resolution that protects your income.—
Angelica Leicht,
CBS News,
1 June 2026
Verb
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The machine’s upgradeable functionality justifies its footprint, which is much larger than your typical desktop printer.—
Andrew Liszewski,
The Verge,
27 May 2026
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The tech enables the premium experience, which justifies the premium price.—
Catherina Gioino,
Fortune,
27 May 2026
Verb
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These advanced technologies ensure the router maintains a high data throughput and more stable performance, even when in a congested network.—
Mark Sparrow,
Forbes.com,
31 May 2026
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The Athletic maintains full editorial independence.—
Data Skrive,
New York Times,
31 May 2026
Verb
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Thrash, whose latest project is a benefit gala at the Palace of Versailles planned for June 8, upholds a long tradition of American philanthropy in support of French cultural institutions.—
Miles Socha,
Footwear News,
26 May 2026
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Islam, like Christianity, upholds the dignity of every human being and encourages dialogue and reconciliation over conflict.—
Sun Sentinel Editorial Board,
Sun Sentinel,
29 Apr. 2026
Verb
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The ruling vacating Murdaugh’s murder charges supports the general view that she was driven by a desire to sell books.—
James Lasdun,
New Yorker,
26 May 2026
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Streamlined permitting, predictable timelines, housing aligned with jobs and transit, infrastructure that supports growth, accountability for implementation and a stronger push to retain local control.—
Mercury News Editorial Board,
Mercury News,
26 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Defends.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/defends. Accessed 3 Jun. 2026.
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