DEFENSES Synonyms: 52 Similar and Opposite Words

defenses

noun

Definition of defenses next

plural of defense

as in safeguards

means or method of defending thorns are a rose's defense against grazing animals

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in excuses

an explanation that frees one from fault or blame there's absolutely no defense for your actions

Synonyms & Similar Words

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 defenses Russian air defenses shot down 347 Ukrainian drones overnight, Russia’s Defense Ministry said Thursday, in what appeared to be a major attack after Moscow spurned Kyiv’s ceasefire earlier in the week and tension mounted over safety at Russia’s upcoming Victory Day celebrations. —

Los Angeles Times, 7 May 2026 The forward was a nightmare for opposing defenses, finishing the year with 30 goals and nine assists, including five crucial playoff goals. —

Charles Baggarly, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 6 May 2026 On the roughly 1,250-kilometer (800-mile) front line, meanwhile, Russia's bigger army remains engaged in a slow-moving and costly slog against Ukraine's drone-heavy defenses. —

ABC News, 6 May 2026 The past two months have been a test of defenses and supply chains. —

Mohammed Sergie, semafor.com, 4 May 2026 Its use of Multiple Independently Targetable Reentry Vehicles (MIRVs) allows a single missile to strike multiple distinct targets, overwhelming adversary defenses and boosting deterrence. —

Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 4 May 2026 Throw in the 3-point shooting of Lexie Hull, Sophie Cunningham and Ty Harris, and defenses will have their hands full. —

Sabreena Merchant, New York Times, 4 May 2026 Militaries have spent years building up their defenses against drone warfare, with one of the most effective methods being the use of electronic jamming to sever the radio connection between the operator and the drone. —

Brady Knox, The Washington Examiner, 30 Apr. 2026 Attackers no longer need to be technically sophisticated to exploit code, while robust defenses still require engineers to read, evaluate, and act on what the AI models surface. —

Evan Johnson, IEEE Spectrum, 30 Apr. 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for defenses

Noun

Such variances can come into play whenever the strict application of community guidelines would cause undue hardship, and directors may also consider conditional approvals that require additional safeguards and modifications.

— Nicole R. Kurtz, Miami Herald, 7 May 2026
With some consumers increasingly trying to get their medical information on the internet, Turco said the bill provides safeguards for physical and mental health.

— Christopher Keating, Hartford Courant, 4 May 2026