1
as in protects
to drive danger or attack away from
a solemn oath to defend the mother country at any cost
Synonyms & Similar Words
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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
While some critics have dismissed de Jesus' work as simplistic, Evaristo defends her unconventional style.
—
ABC News, 17 Feb. 2026
Somehow, the right to protest became an expression of an ideology that defends criminality.
—Roger Van Zanen, The Orlando Sentinel, 17 Feb. 2026
In Reality Check, executive producer Ken Mok defends many of the choices producers made by framing the show as a truthful exploration into the lives of models.
—Ct Jones, Rolling Stone, 16 Feb. 2026
Now this team defends and out toughed Arizona down the stretch.
—Sportsday Staff, Dallas Morning News, 15 Feb. 2026
Continue reading … JUDGE ON TRIAL — Supreme Court justice defends Grammys attendance as senator calls for investigation.
—FOXNews.com, 11 Feb. 2026
Drake Maye #10 of the New England Patriots throws a pass while Devon Witherspoon of the Seattle Seahawks defends.
—Tim Rohan, NBC news, 9 Feb. 2026
Ameen Alai of Broomfield during defends the use of ibogaine in a podcast interview in September 2025.
—Logan Smith, CBS News, 2 Feb. 2026
On both page and stage, Benedict attends a party where Sophie is working, defends her against her lecherous employer, then whisks them both away to his cottage, where Benedict recovers from an injury sustained in the confrontation.
—Savannah Walsh, Vanity Fair, 30 Jan. 2026
ABC News, 17 Feb. 2026
Somehow, the right to protest became an expression of an ideology that defends criminality.
—Roger Van Zanen, The Orlando Sentinel, 17 Feb. 2026
In Reality Check, executive producer Ken Mok defends many of the choices producers made by framing the show as a truthful exploration into the lives of models.
—Ct Jones, Rolling Stone, 16 Feb. 2026
Now this team defends and out toughed Arizona down the stretch.
—Sportsday Staff, Dallas Morning News, 15 Feb. 2026
Continue reading … JUDGE ON TRIAL — Supreme Court justice defends Grammys attendance as senator calls for investigation.
—FOXNews.com, 11 Feb. 2026
Drake Maye #10 of the New England Patriots throws a pass while Devon Witherspoon of the Seattle Seahawks defends.
—Tim Rohan, NBC news, 9 Feb. 2026
Ameen Alai of Broomfield during defends the use of ibogaine in a podcast interview in September 2025.
—Logan Smith, CBS News, 2 Feb. 2026
On both page and stage, Benedict attends a party where Sophie is working, defends her against her lecherous employer, then whisks them both away to his cottage, where Benedict recovers from an injury sustained in the confrontation.
—Savannah Walsh, Vanity Fair, 30 Jan. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for defends
Verb
-
This violates the 4th Amendment, which protects people (including noncitizens) from unreasonable searches and seizures in their homes.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
16 Feb. 2026
-
The plant cell wall protects the carbs from dissolving in water.—
Michaeleen Doucleff,
NPR,
16 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Every clash justifies the next.—
Joe Palaggi,
Twin Cities,
11 Feb. 2026
-
Cole justifies The Fall-Off’s double-disc length by focusing each half on a trip home, at ages 29 and 39, representing two different points in his mission to be the greatest.—
Benny Sun,
Pitchfork,
10 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Oklahoma Voice maintains editorial independence.—
Barbara Hoberock,
Oklahoman,
15 Feb. 2026
-
The sneaker’s tongue and shoelaces appear to have been given a vintage-esque off-white treatment, and the black toe features a new ripstop material, but the style otherwise maintains the original details of the 1995 Neon colorway.—
Riley Jones,
Footwear News,
14 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Can anyone claim that the current policy upholds this principle?—
Reader Commentary,
Baltimore Sun,
11 Feb. 2026
-
In a league that still recites diversity statements and upholds Rooney Rule interview requirements, no Black head coaches were hired.—
Jerry Brewer,
New York Times,
2 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Founded with a commitment to mental well-being and self-acceptance, Rare Beauty seeks to redefine how the beauty industry supports mental health.—
Lisa Lockwood,
Footwear News,
17 Feb. 2026
-
Caldwell Mayor Eric Phillips supports the bill, and the city began preparing for a potential transition to council districts in summer 2025, spokesperson Char Jackson said.—
Idaho Statesman,
Idaho Statesman,
17 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Defends.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/defends. Accessed 20 Feb. 2026.
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