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
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Recent Examples of defenseless
The show is also virtually devoid of romantic escapades, a good thing since Dumas’ novel is filled with a lot of sentimental claptrap about fighting for defenseless women’s honor or seducing virtuous maidens or going to war due to the physical beauty of a monarch.
—
Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 11 Mar. 2026
Rules that protect defenseless players should be followed and enforced to the letter of the law.
—Sean Keeler, Denver Post, 11 Mar. 2026
Look to the devastation of defenseless cities in Gaza, Lebanon, or much of Syria.
—Mohammed Sergie, semafor.com, 6 Mar. 2026
The settling of debts between the older narrator—with all her riches of knowledge, irony, independence, experience, and distinction—and her defenseless younger self has the feel of a private project.
—Literary Hub, 5 Mar. 2026
White said that as his client lay defenseless on the ground, he was kicked and punched.
—Shelley Bortz, CBS News, 27 Feb. 2026
The settling of debts between the older narrator—with all her riches of knowledge, irony, independence, experience, and distinction—and her defenseless younger self has the feel of a private project.
—Elaine Blair, Harpers Magazine, 24 Feb. 2026
Armed With Up to 11 Claws Small doesn’t mean defenseless.
—Hanna Wickes, Charlotte Observer, 20 Feb. 2026
The association's midseason celebration had, in recent years, morphed into a high-scoring, defenseless dunk fest that had grown tiresome, even for the most dedicated basketball fans.
—David K. Li, NBC news, 16 Feb. 2026
Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 11 Mar. 2026
Rules that protect defenseless players should be followed and enforced to the letter of the law.
—Sean Keeler, Denver Post, 11 Mar. 2026
Look to the devastation of defenseless cities in Gaza, Lebanon, or much of Syria.
—Mohammed Sergie, semafor.com, 6 Mar. 2026
The settling of debts between the older narrator—with all her riches of knowledge, irony, independence, experience, and distinction—and her defenseless younger self has the feel of a private project.
—Literary Hub, 5 Mar. 2026
White said that as his client lay defenseless on the ground, he was kicked and punched.
—Shelley Bortz, CBS News, 27 Feb. 2026
The settling of debts between the older narrator—with all her riches of knowledge, irony, independence, experience, and distinction—and her defenseless younger self has the feel of a private project.
—Elaine Blair, Harpers Magazine, 24 Feb. 2026
Armed With Up to 11 Claws Small doesn’t mean defenseless.
—Hanna Wickes, Charlotte Observer, 20 Feb. 2026
The association's midseason celebration had, in recent years, morphed into a high-scoring, defenseless dunk fest that had grown tiresome, even for the most dedicated basketball fans.
—David K. Li, NBC news, 16 Feb. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for defenseless
Adjective
-
While financial precarity is often associated with lower-income households, a February 2026 analysis by consulting firm Kearney suggests many higher earners remain vulnerable as well.—
Mike Winters,
CNBC,
13 Mar. 2026
-
But knowing that viewers would be seeing his romantic side was a vulnerable feeling that Withers had to prepare himself for.—
Carly Thomas,
HollywoodReporter,
13 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
In a flash, the Avs veteran flew right into a sprawling, helpless Ingram, who recoiled at the contact.—
Sean Keeler,
Denver Post,
11 Mar. 2026
-
Pet cats allowed to roam outdoors can also pose a threat to birds, especially helpless fledglings.—
Madeline Buiano,
Martha Stewart,
10 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
The decision to die is drastic and irreversible; should it really be left up to a young person whose brain is still developing, and who is susceptible to influence by peers and authority figures?—
Charles Lane,
The Atlantic,
15 Mar. 2026
-
Cats are also very susceptible to acetaminophen (Tylenol) poisoning, which causes liver damage and impairs the ability of blood to carry oxygen (methemoglobinemia).—
The Washington Post,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
14 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
Frost and freeze conditions will damage unprotected vegetation that is sensitive to freezing temperatures.—
STAR-TELEGRAM WEATHER BOT,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
16 Mar. 2026
-
The two share the longest unprotected border in the world, at more than 5,500 miles.—
Jeanne Bonner,
CNN Money,
16 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Defenseless.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/defenseless. Accessed 19 Mar. 2026.
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