DEFENSES Synonyms: 52 Similar and Opposite Words

defenses

noun

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 From counter-drone defenses to advanced sensors integrated into tanks and fighter jets, the technologies transforming the battlefield are also changing, or even expanding, the markets served by legacy defense giants. — Elsa Ohlen, CNBC, 6 Nov. 2026 The design will support future upgrades as the Navy adapts its defenses to emerging threats. — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 6 Nov. 2026 Russian attacks knocked out power and water across Kyiv for hours, as Ukraine said its air defenses downed or suppressed 272 of 310 drones overnight. — Susie Blann, Los Angeles Times, 4 Nov. 2026 Defensive coordinator Will Muschamp always dials up creative blitzes with his aggressive defenses. — Pj Green november 4, Kansas City Star, 4 Nov. 2026 Flavonoids help calm chronic inflammation by lowering pro-inflammatory chemicals, neutralizing free radicals, and boosting the body’s antioxidant defenses. — Lana Barhum, Verywell Health, 4 Nov. 2026 With the industry-wide chain-of-trust mechanism subverted, the malware was able to run malicious code before Windows was fully loaded and many security defenses were operational. — Dan Goodin, ArsTechnica, 3 Nov. 2026 Russia's Defense Ministry said air defenses downed 1,214 Ukrainian drones overnight in one of the largest drone attacks launched by Kyiv. — Arkansas Online, 30 Oct. 2026 Unlike the gangs Bukele confronted in El Salvador, Haiti’s criminal groups have developed extensive defenses, access to increasingly sophisticated weapons and have shown the ability to quickly replenish their ranks. — Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 30 Oct. 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for defenses

Noun

Yet despite putting safeguards in place, including linking a listing to a fine or a conviction, and building in an appeal and a process for removing people added in error, the bill has repeatedly failed to be passed by Congress.

— The Week UK, TheWeek, 3 Nov. 2026
Fourth, biometric records should not be sold or repurposed for marketing or unrelated surveillance; necessary service providers should face strict limits and safeguards.

— Burak Oktenli, The Orlando Sentinel, 3 Nov. 2026

Definition of safeguards

Noun

The players understand what’s at stake, and none are making any excuses in the locker room after yet another sluggish start for the unit.

— Nick Harris, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 4 Nov. 2026
But veteran guards such as Norman Powell don’t want to couch their inefficiency on the boards in any excuses about a new scheme.

— Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 1 Nov. 2026

Definition of excuses

Noun

Legislators opted not to accept Peña's resignation, meaning he could be stripped of legal protections that would prevent his prosecution, should Paraguay's Attorney General Emiliano Rolón Fernández opt to file charges.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 6 Nov. 2026
In Taiwan, home to the world's largest contract chipmaker TSMC, protections for trade secrets have evolved alongside the semiconductor industry’s growing strategic importance.

— Jenny Lee, CNBC, 5 Nov. 2026

Definition of protections

Noun

Hundreds of protesters shielding the tent camp were dispersed by police using shields and some baton charges, the Reuters news agency reported.

— Freddie Clayton, NBC news, 1 Nov. 2026
Dozens of armored cops were still standing guard, shields raised, after a night when 500 people were taken into custody in the French capital alone.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 20 Oct. 2026

Definition of shields

Noun

LaFountain and another lawyer who did not want to be named out of fear of retribution for their clients said Bridgeport’s probate court denies cases for reasons beyond the requirements.

— Sasha Allen, Hartford Courant, 1 Nov. 2026
That fear, coupled with the fact that ICE has been showing up in religious spaces across the country, are the main reasons why the Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism is encouraging rabbis to take the poll chaplain training, said Pesner.

— Lauren Costantino, Miami Herald, 1 Nov. 2026

Definition of reasons

Noun

The contemporary rooms are the most striking, all polished, minimalist, and moody with quartzite rock walls, floor-to-ceiling bay windows, paddling-pool sized sunken bathtubs, and sexy double sided fireplaces.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 Nov. 2026
Its ability to clean floors, walls, waterlines and slopes gives it versatility across different cleaning requirements, while the dual filtration system and large debris basket support longer cleaning sessions.

— New Atlas, New Atlas, 6 Nov. 2026