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

Relevance

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 Golden State’s defense made things very hard for Atlanta again, and Gabby Williams took over in the second half, leaving our fair city’s professional championship count at three (two Braves, one United). — Tyler Estep, AJC.com, 2 Nov. 2026 Bregman overcame a tough start to the season with shaky defense the first couple of weeks. — Meghan Montemurro, Chicago Tribune, 2 Nov. 2026 Schulte was named second-team preseason all-league and to the league’s preseason all-defense team. — Gary Bedore, Kansas City Star, 2 Nov. 2026 Mike Macdonald’s defense is still the backbone, and the last thing Seattle wants is a shootout that puts the game on Sam Darnold’s shoulders. — Outkick, FOXNews.com, 2 Nov. 2026 See All Example Sentences for defense

Recent Examples of Synonyms for defense

Noun

Ukraine’s general staff said Monday that Russia’s military had bolstered its drone defenses and replenished ammunition supplies in the area during the ceasefire.

— ABC News, ABC News, 2 Nov. 2026
During the search, officers allegedly found an AK-47 rifle, a 12-gauge shotgun, over 350 rounds of ammunition and 40 bags of fentanyl, police said.

— Staff Report, Hartford Courant, 2 Nov. 2026

Definition of ammunition

Noun

Going forward, Republicans must be guided by core conservative principles grounded in free market economics, defense of constitutional rights, and the protection of human life, religious liberty and parental rights in raising their children.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 12 Nov. 2026
Such systems could one day monitor signals such as heart or muscle activity while providing an additional layer of protection against bacterial growth.

— Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 12 Nov. 2026

Definition of protection

Noun

Organizations begin with clear values, but over time, small justifications, cultural shortcuts and competing priorities erode moral clarity.

— Susan Madsen, Forbes.com, 5 Nov. 2026
On Wednesday, before the statement from the 26 caucus members was released, Welch pointed to Tuesday’s election results as justification for his taking control of the caucus campaign.

— Jeremy Gorner, Chicago Tribune, 5 Nov. 2026

Definition of justification

Noun

Martin claims the original Seaquarium’s exemption from that rule shields his project, too; the plaintiffs say the exemption doesn’t apply.

— Douglas Hanks, Miami Herald, 10 Nov. 2026
While a wide range of benefits are available for veterans under the VA shield, few realize what impact veterans provide once out of uniform.

— Charles Selle, Chicago Tribune, 9 Nov. 2026

Definition of shield

Noun

Officials, for example, have not explained whether Young’s administrative leave was related to allegations against him personally, his supervisory responsibilities or another reason.

— Sacbee.com, Sacbee.com, 3 Nov. 2026
The Catalan capital has been a popular destination for decades, and with good reason.

— Jaymi McCann, TheWeek, 3 Nov. 2026

Definition of reason

Noun

On Tuesday, Su was charged with murder and assault with a deadly weapon in a Palo Alto courtroom, with the complaint also alleging that Chen personally inflicted great bodily injury during the assault and that the victim was particularly vulnerable.

— Senior Editor, CBS News, 11 Nov. 2026
Then on Tuesday came news the Chiefs had traded for Colts wide receiver Josh Downs, giving Mahomes another weapon on offense.

— Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 11 Nov. 2026