1
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
2
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
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Recent Examples of defense
The company is viewed as a key to the continent’s rearmament push that has benefited defense companies like Rheinmetall, Saab, and BAE Systems.
—
Elsa Ohlen, CNBC, 22 June 2026
Even if Wells doesn’t turn things around offensively, the Yankees highly value his defense.
—Gary Phillips, New York Daily News, 22 June 2026
The federal government, in particular, is interested in how the technology might improve cybersecurity and encryption, vital for national defense.
—P.r. Lockhart, Hartford Courant, 22 June 2026
The defense filed the contempt motion in response to interviews Ballard gave to several media outlets at the end of March and beginning of April about an inconclusive ballistics report referenced in a March defense filing.
—Andi Babineau, CNN Money, 22 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for defense
Elsa Ohlen, CNBC, 22 June 2026
Even if Wells doesn’t turn things around offensively, the Yankees highly value his defense.
—Gary Phillips, New York Daily News, 22 June 2026
The federal government, in particular, is interested in how the technology might improve cybersecurity and encryption, vital for national defense.
—P.r. Lockhart, Hartford Courant, 22 June 2026
The defense filed the contempt motion in response to interviews Ballard gave to several media outlets at the end of March and beginning of April about an inconclusive ballistics report referenced in a March defense filing.
—Andi Babineau, CNN Money, 22 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for defense
Recent Examples of Synonyms for defense
Noun
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The seizures added up to about 420 grams of cocaine, $2,291 in cash, a rifle, four pistols, various magazines and ammunition, and digital scales and packaging materials believed to be used in narcotics distribution, the sheriff's office said.—
Paula Wethington,
CBS News,
23 June 2026
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These attacks can strain traditional air defense systems, which usually depend on expensive interceptors and have limited ammunition.—
Sujita Sinha,
Interesting Engineering,
23 June 2026
Noun
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Immigration advocates and lawyers said the hurricane season is just an excuse and not the real reason why the detainees have been transferred.—
Landon Mion,
FOXNews.com,
18 June 2026
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While player welfare is a real concern with temperatures expected to exceed 90 F (32 C) in the hottest World Cup venues, some say the hydration breaks are just an excuse for broadcasters to go to commercials in the middle of the game.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
18 June 2026
Noun
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The state expansion also means protection for the rare riparian forest.—
Kayla Moeller,
CBS News,
23 June 2026
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Just remember, tents do not offer protection from lightning.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
23 June 2026
Noun
-
There's no justification for this.—
J.D. Miles,
CBS News,
24 June 2026
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There's no doubt that the media played an inordinate role in allowing COVID-19 mandates and restrictions to start, expand, and continue well beyond any reasonable justification.—
Ian Miller OutKick,
FOXNews.com,
22 June 2026
Noun
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Officials cited the heat shield concerns as part of the need to add additional testing in space to the Artemis timeline.—
Margaret Landis,
The Conversation,
18 June 2026
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Pro-Kremlin newspapers reported it, with some praising the performance of air defenses while noting that the strike highlighted the need to further strengthen the defensive shield around the capital.—
Barry Hatton,
Los Angeles Times,
18 June 2026
Noun
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There are good reasons to do so again, though as contenders acquiring young talent is not a necessity for the Pacers.—
Tony East,
Forbes.com,
24 June 2026
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However, Gen Zers also cited reasons for not finding such meaning.—
Avni Trivedi,
CNN Money,
24 June 2026
Noun
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Reducing capital would heighten risks for depositors and taxpayers in future financial crises, as robust capital buffers are essential safeguards.—
Mayra Rodriguez Valladares,
Forbes.com,
19 June 2026
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The group issued a point-by-point analysis of the memorandum, criticizing it for potentially freeing up tens of billions of dollars for Iran without putting sufficient safeguards to ensure the country won’t use the money to fund operations against the United States.—
Joey Garrison,
USA Today,
19 June 2026
Noun
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Beijing broadly denies providing weapons to countries in conflict.—
Simone McCarthy,
CNN Money,
20 June 2026
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It can also be converted to form the core of a nuclear weapon.—
Adithi Ramakrishnan,
Los Angeles Times,
20 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Defense.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/defense. Accessed 25 Jun. 2026.
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