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

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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 For now, the study identifies a previously underappreciated part of the immune system that could help overcome one of SCLC’s most persistent defenses. — New Atlas, 15 Oct. 2026 The restriction disrupted operations, including making the slower-flying attack drones easier targets for Russian defenses. — Arkansas Online, 15 Oct. 2026 Tehran is reportedly strengthening its defenses around sensitive energy and nuclear sites in preparation for a potential resumption of attacks, according to The Wall Street Journal. — Jenni Reid, CNBC, 15 Oct. 2026 The Chiefs have had answers when defenses try to key on something. — Sam McDowell, Kansas City Star, 15 Oct. 2026 Its sister service Starshield, a military version developed for the Pentagon, relies on the Starlink network and has recently been used by Ukrainian forces to strengthen its far-reaching drone strike missions and air defenses. — Tiago Ventura, Time, 15 Oct. 2026 Nicholas Marquez keeps defenses honest for the Eagles, rushing for just under 100 yards per game. — Darren Lauber, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 15 Oct. 2026 Russia’s Defense Ministry said that its air defenses downed 166 Ukrainian drones overnight and that Russian forces hit two vessels carrying military cargo. — Susie Blann, Los Angeles Times, 15 Oct. 2026 Built to integrate with existing air defenses Leonardo DRS says the cxMHR is designed to meet Modular Open Systems Approach (MOSA) standards. — Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 14 Oct. 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for defenses

Noun

This type of structured risk assessment is already extensively used in industry through HAZOP reviews, where potential deviations, causes, consequences and safeguards are systematically examined before a process is put into operation.

— Gregory Shahnovsky, Forbes.com, 13 Oct. 2026
Doomsday warnings about its risks have now become impossible to ignore, and protestors are taking to the streets to demand stronger safeguards.

— Rumman Chowdhury, Vogue, 13 Oct. 2026

Definition of safeguards

Noun

The measure extends those protections to public ways within 1,000 feet of court facilities, while preserving an exception for arrests made under a valid judicial warrant.

— Kevin Rector, Los Angeles Times, 15 Oct. 2026
The allegations against him remain unproven, and he is entitled to the full protections of the United States Constitution.

— ABC News, ABC News, 15 Oct. 2026

Definition of protections

Noun

Well, it’s generally focused on the origins of and justifications for Baldwin’s multi-decade persecution complex.

— Daniel Fienberg, HollywoodReporter, 6 Oct. 2026
Even the characters involved in the season’s intriguing, yet infuriating, cliffhanger ending have justifications for their schemes.

— Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 6 Oct. 2026

Definition of justifications

Noun

Swarms of police officers descended from helicopters and beat them with billy clubs and metal shields.

— E. Tammy Kim, New Yorker, 12 Oct. 2026
In Paris, tear gas filled the air, and trash cans, school desks and chairs were set alight as riot police with shields and batons clashed with some demonstrators.

— Melissa Bell, CNN Money, 6 Oct. 2026

Definition of shields

Noun

Steve Sarkisian will not budge on this issue One of the primary reasons Manning chose to attend Texas was Sarkisian.

— Mac Engel October 10, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 11 Oct. 2026
Palestinian officials cited conditions in the West Bank, Gaza Strip and east Jerusalem as reasons for postponing the vote.

— Stephen Sorace, FOXNews.com, 11 Oct. 2026

Definition of reasons

Noun

From elevating beds to expanding sections to sliding walls and even entire roofs, these 10 homes transform to get maximum use out of a compact space.

— New Atlas, New Atlas, 17 Oct. 2026
Frosted glass walls reveal a garden of oversize, colorful leather flowers, while wood and leather, recurring materials in Polène’s stores, appear in the furnishings.

— Ryma Chikhoune, Footwear News, 16 Oct. 2026