1
as in safeguards
means or method of defending
thorns are a rose's defense against grazing animals
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
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
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Recent Examples of defenses
Early research suggests its antioxidant defenses may support healthy cholesterol, blood sugar regulation, and gut health, but studies are still limited.
—
Caitlin Pagán, Verywell Health, 2 Oct. 2025
Barkley has faced two of the league’s top run defenses over the past two weeks, so now would be the time to make offers.
—Dalton Del Don, New York Times, 2 Oct. 2025
Both defenses here are bad, but only one offense is.
—Greg Cote
october 2, Miami Herald, 2 Oct. 2025
Then our defenses come into play as a reaction to that discomfort.
—CNN Money, 25 Sep. 2025
The Cowboys' offense has also been kind to defenses, so Parsons might have a field day against the soft Dallas offensive line.
—James Brizuela, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Sep. 2025
Conner’s constantly able to get open shots because of the pressure Van Lith and Prince put on defenses.
—Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 15 Mar. 2025
And defenses are wisely turning Bam Adebayo into a facilitator.
—Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 15 Mar. 2025
Meanwhile, Russian air defenses intercepted four Ukrainian drones over Moscow, with one damaging an apartment building near the Kremlin.
—Amanda Castro, Newsweek, 14 Mar. 2025
Caitlin Pagán, Verywell Health, 2 Oct. 2025
Barkley has faced two of the league’s top run defenses over the past two weeks, so now would be the time to make offers.
—Dalton Del Don, New York Times, 2 Oct. 2025
Both defenses here are bad, but only one offense is.
—Greg Cote
october 2, Miami Herald, 2 Oct. 2025
Then our defenses come into play as a reaction to that discomfort.
—CNN Money, 25 Sep. 2025
The Cowboys' offense has also been kind to defenses, so Parsons might have a field day against the soft Dallas offensive line.
—James Brizuela, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Sep. 2025
Conner’s constantly able to get open shots because of the pressure Van Lith and Prince put on defenses.
—Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 15 Mar. 2025
And defenses are wisely turning Bam Adebayo into a facilitator.
—Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 15 Mar. 2025
Meanwhile, Russian air defenses intercepted four Ukrainian drones over Moscow, with one damaging an apartment building near the Kremlin.
—Amanda Castro, Newsweek, 14 Mar. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for defenses
Noun
-
At the same time, the pushback from critics highlights that there is still debate about whether these safeguards go far enough.—
Kurt Knutsson,
FOXNews.com,
4 Oct. 2025
-
While framed as satire, the content references child exploitation, raising questions about the adequacy of Sora 2’s safeguards.—
Martha McHardy,
MSNBC Newsweek,
3 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
Restoring trust means delivering results, not excuses, through mandatory ethics training for all city staff to ensure accountability.—
Miami Herald Staff,
Miami Herald,
8 Oct. 2025
-
But no more excuses—for me or for you.—
Erika Owen,
Architectural Digest,
7 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
Meta countered that its protections for young people extend to AI interactions.—
Eva Roytburg,
Fortune,
2 Oct. 2025
-
Besides a brand-new design, the cards also have enhanced anti-counterfeit protections.—
Hannah Poukish,
Sacbee.com,
2 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
Independent estimates suggest millions could lose coverage if credits expire, as higher costs push healthier individuals out of the risk pool and compound insurer pricing, a dynamic reflected in carrier justifications to state regulators.—
Ashley Lutz,
Fortune,
24 Sep. 2025
-
Where differences of opinion become justifications for violence.—
Margie Warrell,
Forbes.com,
17 Sep. 2025
Noun
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Just three days in and these XL-sized shields are thick as thieves, which doesn’t seem threatening to anyone whose name isn’t Annie.—
Nick Caruso,
TVLine,
24 Sep. 2025
-
Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act shields platforms from liability for what users post, leaving victims and their families with limited legal footing against them.—
Rachyl Jones,
semafor.com,
23 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
Comey, who is expected to plead not guilty to the charges, denies wrongdoing and has argued that he is being targeted for political reasons.—
Katherine Faulders,
ABC News,
8 Oct. 2025
-
But the reasons behind the divorce, and whether the relationship was really salvageable until Urban decided otherwise, are just speculation.—
Lizzie Lanuza,
StyleCaster,
8 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
From the outside, the Harris County Jail might be mistaken for a high-end condo, with walls of windows that overlook the bayou in downtown Houston.—
The New Yorker,
New Yorker,
8 Oct. 2025
-
White paint on the walls and ceiling keeps light bouncing around and makes the space feel endless.—
Abby Wolner,
Better Homes & Gardens,
8 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
According to the Harris County Sheriff’s Office, the Constable’s Office responded to a weapons disturbance call earlier in the night where Lacy and a family member were involved in a verbal argument.—
Ben Church,
CNN Money,
7 Oct. 2025
-
At launch, there will be 18 maps to compete on and 30 weapons to unlock, with dozens of customization options allowing users to fine tune their guns’ scopes, grips, barrels, and more.—
Christopher Cruz,
Rolling Stone,
7 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Defenses.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/defenses. Accessed 9 Oct. 2025.
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