as in vulnerable
lacking protection from danger or resistance against attack
the lack of warm clothing left the hikers defenseless against the unexpected cold snap
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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 defenseless
The Kremlin has claimed many Oreshniks are in production and that some might be stationed in Belarus, a likely bid to raise fears its missiles could leave European cities defenseless against attack.
—
Nick Paton Walsh, CNN Money, 9 Jan. 2026
My ego—what was left of it— was utterly defenseless.
—Frederick Dreier, Outside, 9 Jan. 2026
Your answer about the defenseless player rule was appreciated.
—Parker Gabriel, Denver Post, 7 Jan. 2026
An alarming incident at the end of 2025 exposed how utterly defenseless Irish airspace and its main international airport are to potential drone attacks.
—Paul Iddon, Forbes.com, 30 Dec. 2025
Teammate Andru Phillips was also hit with a $7,292 fine for a hit on a defenseless player.
—Michael Gallagher, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 Dec. 2025
The top Democrat on the House Intelligence Committee describing that second strike as an attack on defenseless survivors, an act that if true would violate international law.
—ABC News, 7 Dec. 2025
Although the killing of two defenseless men left floating in the water during the September strike has created a sensation in the days since the Post’s scoop, the entire military campaign itself is an outrage.
—Susan B. Glasser, New Yorker, 5 Dec. 2025
Lawmakers have suggested that Hegseth, a former Fox News host, may have committed a war crime by targeting defenseless people.
—Brian Niemietz, Mercury News, 3 Dec. 2025
Nick Paton Walsh, CNN Money, 9 Jan. 2026
My ego—what was left of it— was utterly defenseless.
—Frederick Dreier, Outside, 9 Jan. 2026
Your answer about the defenseless player rule was appreciated.
—Parker Gabriel, Denver Post, 7 Jan. 2026
An alarming incident at the end of 2025 exposed how utterly defenseless Irish airspace and its main international airport are to potential drone attacks.
—Paul Iddon, Forbes.com, 30 Dec. 2025
Teammate Andru Phillips was also hit with a $7,292 fine for a hit on a defenseless player.
—Michael Gallagher, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 Dec. 2025
The top Democrat on the House Intelligence Committee describing that second strike as an attack on defenseless survivors, an act that if true would violate international law.
—ABC News, 7 Dec. 2025
Although the killing of two defenseless men left floating in the water during the September strike has created a sensation in the days since the Post’s scoop, the entire military campaign itself is an outrage.
—Susan B. Glasser, New Yorker, 5 Dec. 2025
Lawmakers have suggested that Hegseth, a former Fox News host, may have committed a war crime by targeting defenseless people.
—Brian Niemietz, Mercury News, 3 Dec. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for defenseless
Adjective
-
Democracy is challenged through disinformation Media literacy has been part of the Finnish educational curriculum since the 1990s, and additional courses are available for older adults who might be especially vulnerable to misinformation.—
James Brooks,
Los Angeles Times,
13 Jan. 2026
-
Installing barriers like snow fencing protects these vulnerable spots from winter kill, discourages salt and road debris caused by ploughing, and keeps your lawn from becoming bumpy and uneven.—
Barbara Gillette,
The Spruce,
13 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
So little, so helpless, so good.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
15 Jan. 2026
-
Scam reporting is currently fragmented and confusing, leaving victims feeling helpless.—
Caroline Melear,
Oc Register,
13 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
The human brain is highly susceptible to often unproductive mind-wandering, and modern technology has only made the problem worse.—
Harvard Business Review,
Harvard Business Review,
7 Jan. 2026
-
Common Pests and Diseases Like all plants, hoyas can be susceptible to pests and diseases.—
SJ McShane,
Martha Stewart,
7 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
Overnight lows in the teens could also become life-threatening, the weather service said, and could put unprotected livestock and pets at risk.—
Julia James,
Dallas Morning News,
20 Jan. 2026
-
The Heat is currently only able to trade two unprotected first-round picks.—
Anthony Chiang,
Miami Herald,
17 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Defenseless.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/defenseless. Accessed 22 Jan. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
