Synonyms of defense

defense 1 of 2

noun (1)

di-ˈfen(t)s 

1

as in ammunition

means or method of defending

thorns are a rose's defense against grazing animals

Synonyms & Similar Words

• ammunition
• protection
• safeguard
• shield
• weapon
• wall
• security
• armor
• guard
• screen
• ward
• armament
• aegis
• cover
• weaponry
• buckler
• munitions
• egis
• fortress
• stronghold
• fort
• arm
• palisade
• fastness

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• attack
• offense
• assault
• aggression
• offensive
• offence

2

as in excuse

an explanation that frees one from fault or blame

there's absolutely no defense for your actions

Synonyms & Similar Words

• excuse
• justification
• reason
• plea
• alibi
• apology
• rationalization
• rationale
• vindication
• pretext
• pretence
• confession
• out
• guise
• atonement
• pretense
• whitewash
• acknowledgment
• acknowledgement
• color
• extenuation
• cop-out
• palliation

defenselessness

2 of 2

noun (2)

as in vulnerability

the quality or state of having little resistance to some outside agent

our utter defenselessness against the rising floodwaters quickly became apparent

Synonyms & Similar Words

• vulnerability
• susceptibility
• weakness
• sensitivity
• exposure
• helplessness
• powerlessness
• proneness
• passivity
• feebleness
• passiveness
• predisposition
• naiveté
• openness
• naïveté
• receptivity
• infirmity
• receptiveness
• gullibility
• frailty
• easiness
• naivete
• credulity
• frailness
• liability
• credulousness

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• invulnerability
• immunity
• impenetrability
• invincibility
• indomitability
• indomitableness

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of defense

Noun

His defense attorney did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the case. —Don Sweeney, Sacbee.com, 8 May 2025

Chestnut returns in his role as Corey Cash, a charming, media-savvy defense attorney. —Denise Petski, Deadline, 8 May 2025

Since the indictment: Since Stines was indicted, Bartley, his defense attorney, has made several motions on his behalf. —Peter D'abrosca, FOXNews.com, 8 May 2025

This and that The Bruins have several players wearing the same number on offense and defense. —Ben Bolch, Los Angeles Times, 27 Apr. 2025