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
Rodgers had nothing for a Houston defense that may be the NFL’s best; his final pass of the night was intercepted and returned for a touchdown.
—
Chris Branch, New York Times, 13 Jan. 2026
Denmark retains authority over the island’s defense, foreign policy, and economic matters.
—Heather Hunter, The Washington Examiner, 13 Jan. 2026
Can the Chicago Bears defense slow down Los Angeles Rams coach Sean McVay’s offense?
—Phil Thompson, Chicago Tribune, 13 Jan. 2026
Zinc plays an important role in supporting the immune system, helping develop immune cells and strengthen the body’s natural defenses.
—Ayesha Gulzar, Verywell Health, 13 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for defense
Chris Branch, New York Times, 13 Jan. 2026
Denmark retains authority over the island’s defense, foreign policy, and economic matters.
—Heather Hunter, The Washington Examiner, 13 Jan. 2026
Can the Chicago Bears defense slow down Los Angeles Rams coach Sean McVay’s offense?
—Phil Thompson, Chicago Tribune, 13 Jan. 2026
Zinc plays an important role in supporting the immune system, helping develop immune cells and strengthen the body’s natural defenses.
—Ayesha Gulzar, Verywell Health, 13 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for defense
Recent Examples of Synonyms for defense
Noun
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In announcing Zimmerman's sentence, the Russian court published on social media a slideshow that included a video of a white sailing boat and photos of a sniper rifle and ammunition allegedly found on board, and of a man sitting on the vessel.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
19 Jan. 2026
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He is also prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition.—
Lance Reynolds,
Boston Herald,
19 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
The long weekend is the perfect excuse to indulge in a little retail therapy.—
Rosie Marder,
Travel + Leisure,
16 Jan. 2026
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Nordstrom is using the long weekend as an excuse to drop more than 12,000 new winter essentials to its sale section.—
Rylee Johnston,
PEOPLE,
16 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Rasouli doesn’t recommend relying on cheese for protection against dementia.—
Julia Ries Wexler,
Health,
9 Jan. 2026
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On the whole, higher limits offer better protection, so recognizing the differences in coverage between minimum requirements and real-life needs can inform better decision-making in this regard.—
Ethan M. Stone,
Miami Herald,
9 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Miller presented the numerous challenges people face when purchasing a home in the country today as justification for her bill in a press release on Wednesday.—
Washington Examiner Staff,
The Washington Examiner,
22 Jan. 2026
-
This is a clear and tangible justification for transferring.—
Christopher Rim,
Forbes.com,
22 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
The video footage did not appear to capture any rocks, bottles or fireworks being thrown at the federal officers or any shields held by the protesters.—
Sean Emery,
Oc Register,
15 Jan. 2026
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Even today, class and education serve as shields from the Delta’s violent culture.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
14 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
And there was no reason to change it.—
Renée Onque,
CNBC,
21 Jan. 2026
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And so there's no reason to expect that to be different in this scenario, too.—
Shaun Boyd,
CBS News,
21 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Advertisement Press freedom must be restored to enable journalists and news organizations to investigate our recent past and serve as a safeguard of transparency going forward.—
Boris Muñoz,
Time,
12 Jan. 2026
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This underscores gold's role as a safeguard against currency devaluation.—
Sharon Wu,
CBS News,
12 Jan. 2026
Noun
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When Israel launched the surprise war against Iran last summer, the depth of its infiltration became evident when it was revealed that Israeli intelligence agents smuggled weapons into the country and used them to strike high-value targets from within Iranian territory.—
Mostafa Salem,
CNN Money,
7 Jan. 2026
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The administration also lists members of the pro-Trump mob who died during the riot or in connection with it, but does not mention that nearly 140 police officers were injured that same day by weapons.—
Daniel S. Levine,
PEOPLE,
7 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Defense.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/defense. Accessed 22 Jan. 2026.
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