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 The expectations are there for the Bengals, which remodeled their defense and offensive line with the goal of making another Super Bowl run during the Burrow era. — Omar Kelly, Miami Herald, 12 Oct. 2026 The blast produced enough energy to flatten a significant stretch of the Siberian wilderness, marking an event that still serves as a cautionary tale — and a major point of reference — for modern planetary defense efforts. — Micah Hanks, Space.com, 12 Oct. 2026 The youth movement on San Francisco's defense paid dividends when the 49ers needed it most in a tough game in Seattle. — ABC News, 12 Oct. 2026 Huntley's three touchdowns (two through the air and one on the ground) all came after the first half, when the Ravens couldn't muster much of anything to penetrate the Falcons' defense. — Austin Perry Outkick, FOXNews.com, 12 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for defense

Recent Examples of Synonyms for defense

Noun

How did a live round get into the revolver and who brought the lethal ammunition to the set?

— Matthew Carey, Deadline, 12 Oct. 2026
The principal and the teacher were hit with ammunition used in 12-gauge shotguns but their injuries weren't life threatening, police said.

— ABC News, ABC News, 12 Oct. 2026

Definition of ammunition

Noun

Scammers can use major security incidents as an excuse to send fake notices or links designed to steal even more information.

— Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 12 Oct. 2026
More from Taaffe The Dolphins are the youngest team in the league, but Taaffe and quarterback Malik Willis said this week that the Dolphins cannot use that as an excuse.

— Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 10 Oct. 2026

Definition of excuse

Noun

Members sign up to a set of guidelines around victim protection, attend events and host seminars.

— Max Goldbart, Deadline, 15 Oct. 2026
Instead, revenue protection mode—according to the DOJ—prioritized maintaining revenue by leasing fewer apartments at higher prices.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 14 Oct. 2026

Definition of protection

Noun

The timing raised questions about the city’s justification for limiting firefighters’ raises.

— Verónica Egui Brito, Miami Herald, 9 Oct. 2026
Velchik said that the government never said that the ban was solely about national security, citing another justification that the outlets failed to meet minimal journalistic standards of professionalism.

— Ted Johnson, Deadline, 8 Oct. 2026

Definition of justification

Noun

Here, Benavidez Clayton dives into the reasons behind BCI’s regenerative push, why social impact is a critical piece of the puzzle and how brands can get involved.

— SJ Studio, Footwear News, 13 Oct. 2026
The Hot Springs Documentary Film Festival is a treasure, and a public good Arkansans have reason to support.

— Philip Martin, Arkansas Online, 13 Oct. 2026

Definition of reason

Noun

But Howard club tennis players say safeguards should already be in place to prevent incidents like this.

— Ashley Paul, CBS News, 14 Oct. 2026
The issue is reshaping the governor’s race, as Republican Joe Lombardo and Democrat Aaron Ford spar over development, tax breaks and safeguards for electricity bills and water supplies.

— Jessica Hill, Los Angeles Times, 14 Oct. 2026

Definition of safeguard

Noun

Zelenskyy said Russia had attacked Ukraine with more than 100 weapons since Monday evening.

— HANNA ARHIROVA, Arkansas Online, 14 Oct. 2026
In late August, Davis was found guilty of murder with the use of a deadly weapon with the intent to promote, further or assist a criminal gang.

— Steven J. Horowitz, Variety, 13 Oct. 2026