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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of defends
Continue reading … STANDING FIRM — New York Times defends controversial anti-Israel piece, 'no truth' to retraction claims.
—
FOXNews.com, 13 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
Her father, Atticus Finch, is a lawyer and defends a Black man who’s been falsely accused of raping a white woman.
—Melinda Salchert, Southern Living, 10 May 2026
The companies that manage this well have repositioned it as a strategic capability—one that actively reallocates production, manages exposure across geographies and defends margin.
—Catherine Nekavand, Footwear News, 7 May 2026
He-Man is typically shown to be the alter ego of Prince Adam of the planet Eternia, who defends the secrets of Castle Grayskull, as well as the rest of Eternia, from the forces of the antagonist Skeletor.
—Sanat Pai Raikarall, Encyclopedia Britannica, 4 May 2026
No side that defends this badly from front to back can hope for European qualification through the Premier League next season, and humiliation against Manchester City in the FA Cup final looks a far likelier outcome than a palate-cleansing triumph.
—Simon Johnson, New York Times, 4 May 2026
Bean’s Lucy is taken in but defends her family when the monster reveals himself.
—Theater Critic, Los Angeles Times, 1 May 2026
FOXNews.com, 13 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
Her father, Atticus Finch, is a lawyer and defends a Black man who’s been falsely accused of raping a white woman.
—Melinda Salchert, Southern Living, 10 May 2026
The companies that manage this well have repositioned it as a strategic capability—one that actively reallocates production, manages exposure across geographies and defends margin.
—Catherine Nekavand, Footwear News, 7 May 2026
He-Man is typically shown to be the alter ego of Prince Adam of the planet Eternia, who defends the secrets of Castle Grayskull, as well as the rest of Eternia, from the forces of the antagonist Skeletor.
—Sanat Pai Raikarall, Encyclopedia Britannica, 4 May 2026
No side that defends this badly from front to back can hope for European qualification through the Premier League next season, and humiliation against Manchester City in the FA Cup final looks a far likelier outcome than a palate-cleansing triumph.
—Simon Johnson, New York Times, 4 May 2026
Bean’s Lucy is taken in but defends her family when the monster reveals himself.
—Theater Critic, Los Angeles Times, 1 May 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for defends
Verb
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By planning ahead and putting the right policies in place, Florida and the PSC have created a model that both protects customers and supports responsible economic growth.—
Scott Bores,
Sun Sentinel,
11 May 2026
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The group also hopes this pending purchase protects the house from demolition, something the property owner is pushing for even though a previous request to demolish was denied last year.—
Ashley Grams,
CBS News,
11 May 2026
Verb
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That’s an acute disconnect for early-career filmmakers weighing whether the traditional path justifies the cost and risk.—
Dana Harris-Bridson,
IndieWire,
8 May 2026
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But none of this justifies standing still.—
Peter S. Hendricks,
STAT,
6 May 2026
Verb
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Finally, establishing strict boundaries, like disabling notifications and setting specific usage times, prevents addiction and maintains focus.—
Jodie Cook,
Forbes.com,
10 May 2026
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The Athletic maintains full editorial independence in all our coverage.—
Benjamin Burrows,
New York Times,
10 May 2026
Verb
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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
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If the Supreme Court upholds the decisions, Haitians and Syrians will be able to keep their protections.—
Syra Ortiz Blanes,
Miami Herald,
28 Apr. 2026
Verb
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The Pisces Moon in your 2nd House of Values trine Jupiter supports confidence around income, self-worth, and using resources in ways that grow rather than merely maintain.—
Tarot.com,
The Orlando Sentinel,
12 May 2026
-
Research supports the view that leadership skill requirements are evolving alongside technological change.—
William Jones,
USA Today,
12 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Defends.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/defends. Accessed 15 May. 2026.
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