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 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
One month has passed since Iran’s bloody crackdown, and Iranians — inside the country and abroad — have been left among the most defenseless people facing a ruling power, watched over by a world that largely remained a spectator.
—Pegah Banihashemi, Chicago Tribune, 15 Feb. 2026
More than 15,000 innocent, defenseless people were killed during the protests.
—Tina Ahmadi Krol, HollywoodReporter, 13 Feb. 2026
Olympic athletes are visible, symbolic, and defenseless in that moment.
—Rabbi Bruce D. Forman, Sun Sentinel, 10 Feb. 2026
After his holstered gun was discovered under his coat and removed while he was being manhandled, he was executed on the spot by one of the officers despite lying unarmed and defenseless on the ground.
—Voice Of The People, New York Daily News, 27 Jan. 2026
My ego—what was left of it— was utterly defenseless.
—Frederick Dreier, Outside, 9 Jan. 2026
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
One month has passed since Iran’s bloody crackdown, and Iranians — inside the country and abroad — have been left among the most defenseless people facing a ruling power, watched over by a world that largely remained a spectator.
—Pegah Banihashemi, Chicago Tribune, 15 Feb. 2026
More than 15,000 innocent, defenseless people were killed during the protests.
—Tina Ahmadi Krol, HollywoodReporter, 13 Feb. 2026
Olympic athletes are visible, symbolic, and defenseless in that moment.
—Rabbi Bruce D. Forman, Sun Sentinel, 10 Feb. 2026
After his holstered gun was discovered under his coat and removed while he was being manhandled, he was executed on the spot by one of the officers despite lying unarmed and defenseless on the ground.
—Voice Of The People, New York Daily News, 27 Jan. 2026
My ego—what was left of it— was utterly defenseless.
—Frederick Dreier, Outside, 9 Jan. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for defenseless
Adjective
-
Consumer groups say wage advances can be riddled with fees and in some cases, similar to payday loans, can lead America’s most vulnerable workers into an unhealthy debt spiral.—
Cheryl Winokur Munk,
CNBC,
27 Feb. 2026
-
For less than 1% of the federal budget, USAID delivered food, medicine and basic education to vulnerable places worldwide.—
Sun Sentinel Editorial Board,
Sun Sentinel,
27 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
Volantis, whose seven shutout innings were achieved with remarkable ease, is the latest Texas arm to render the opposition helpless.—
David Eckert,
Austin American Statesman,
23 Feb. 2026
-
The timing of this recent turn to tanking is just another example of the helpless, tireless tardiness that has plagued the Karnišovas era in Chicago.—
Julia Poe,
Chicago Tribune,
21 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
In some ways, Florida is already more susceptible to fire, thanks to that drought index.—
Orlando Sentinel Editorial Board,
The Orlando Sentinel,
22 Feb. 2026
-
This results in lots of spindly new growth, which is weak and susceptible to diseases, pests, and breakage.—
Arricca Elin SanSone,
Southern Living,
22 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
Additionally, residents are warned of the possible damage that could be done on unprotected outdoor plumbing.—
Veronica Fernandez-Alvarado
Updated February 20,
Sacbee.com,
21 Feb. 2026
-
The Rangers acquired Baumler, a 24-year-old right-hander, after he was left unprotected by the Baltimore Orioles before December’s Rule 5 draft.—
Shawn McFarland,
Dallas Morning News,
14 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Defenseless.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/defenseless. Accessed 28 Feb. 2026.
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