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
Vegas' Mitch Marner skated into the high slot and his shot ricocheted off two Dallas players and landed near Smith, who scored from close range past a defenseless Casey DeSmith.
—
CBS News, 22 Mar. 2026
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
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
CBS News, 22 Mar. 2026
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
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
-
Bronson, with the atomic scientists group, also said nuclear plants are vulnerable during conflicts, citing recent instances where reactors were specifically targeted during the Iran war and the Russia-Ukraine War.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
17 Apr. 2026
-
Overwatering can leave grass with weak roots and vulnerable to diseases, so stick to a schedule and spot-treat patches if needed.—
Nishaa Sharma,
The Spruce,
17 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
The show’s name referred to their self-identification as helpless babies overwhelmed by the pressures of modernity, comforted only by coating themselves in fancy serums and moisturizers to recreate the peaceful, placental insulation of the womb.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
9 Apr. 2026
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Then there’s the title character, who at first impression could be a helpless goldfish just waiting for any one of these alley cats to knock over her bowl and swallow her tail and all.—
Greg Evans,
Deadline,
6 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
People who have migraines, as Jack did, are more susceptible to the condition, Schwedt said.—
Kerry Breen,
CBS News,
11 Apr. 2026
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Young plants are most susceptible to damage and can be protected with repellents or temporary fencing when deer are active.—
Kim Toscano,
Southern Living,
10 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Water will cause any unprotected steel or iron to rust.—
Tim Carter,
Hartford Courant,
11 Apr. 2026
-
That has left people in the area feeling unprotected.—
Lauren Frayer,
NPR,
5 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Defenseless.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/defenseless. Accessed 18 Apr. 2026.
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