DEFENSE Synonyms: 53 Similar and Opposite Words

defense

noun

di-ˈfen(t)s

Definition of defense

as in ammunition

means or method of defending thorns are a rose's defense against grazing animals

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in excuse

an explanation that frees one from fault or blame there's absolutely no defense for your actions

Synonyms & Similar Words

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 defense Turkey’s burgeoning defense industry, soft cultural power and role as conflict mediator are growing its influence in the Middle East. — Hadeel Al-Shalchi, NPR, 28 Sep. 2026 The company’s rapid growth comes amid a broader boom in defense tech. — Preston Fore, Fortune, 28 Sep. 2026 Zelenskyy said long-range strikes on Russian soil hit two defense plants in the Tula and Voronezh regions and oil facilities in the Krasnodar region, all in southern and western Russia. — CBS News, 28 Sep. 2026 Maryland had yet to give up a turnover, but UCLA’s defense created five takeaways. — Connor Dullinger, Los Angeles Times, 28 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for defense

Recent Examples of Synonyms for defense

Noun

South Korea, the United States and others say North Korea has also supplied artillery, ammunition and missiles to Russia in return for economic and military assistance.

— ABC News, ABC News, 28 Sep. 2026
Sanon is also accused obtaining an arsenal of weapons, ammunition and ballistic vests, culminating in the dead-of-night operation coordinated by his allies to storm Moïse’s private residence.

— Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 28 Sep. 2026

Definition of ammunition

Noun

There are larger forces at work, the stuff that hurts people who hurt people, and portraying that hurt (and its goal, escape) with understanding – not to say excuse-making – takes uncommon talent.

— Greg Evans, Deadline, 28 Sep. 2026
Treat it as an excuse to wear more outspoken pieces from here on out, whether this implies bright-and-striped sweaters or fuzzy, quirky boat shoes.

— Stacia Datskovska, Footwear News, 28 Sep. 2026

Definition of excuse

Noun

Without fiefdoms structuring the distribution of land, the division of labor, and the provision of military protection, agents of state coercion were needed to ensure that former serfs would serve as wage laborers.

— Sophie Landres, Artforum, 1 Oct. 2026
The nation's flood insurance program struggles to balance affordability, flood protection and cost to taxpayers, leaving millions vulnerable at a time when climate change is driving flood risk higher.

— MICHAEL PHILLIS, Arkansas Online, 30 Sep. 2026

Definition of protection

Noun

Fight over her heart condition The government also directly challenges Flores’ medical justification for release.

— Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 25 Sep. 2026
British officials continue to reference the British Museum Act 1963, which prohibits deaccessioning items from its collection, as justification for holding onto the ancient artifacts.

— Devorah Lauter, ARTnews.com, 24 Sep. 2026

Definition of justification

Noun

What many people enjoying these beaches don't realize is that this iconic stretch of sand is also a critical line of defense—a massive engineering shield protecting our vital infrastructure.

— Bryan Lynn, CBS News, 29 Sep. 2026
This celestial shield keeps harmful solar wind, cosmic rays and radiation at bay, preventing the atmosphere from being stripped away.

— Jacopo Prisco, CNN Money, 29 Sep. 2026

Definition of shield

Noun

As is common, there’s not nearly as much protection on iOS, mainly because the safeguards Apple imposes to defeat malware also defeat many malware-fighting techniques.

— Neil J. Rubenking, PC Magazine, 30 Sep. 2026
From there, review the additional theft safeguards available on your Pixel.

— Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 30 Sep. 2026

Definition of safeguard

Noun

In August, the White House announced sanctions on five Cuban entities and eight individuals who help Cuba secure weapons and maintain relationships with foreign militaries.

— Claire Carter, The Washington Examiner, 30 Sep. 2026
Iran has long supplied the Houthis with weapons and other assistance, though Tehran denies directing their military operations.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 30 Sep. 2026