as in offenders
a person who is being sued or accused of a crime in a court of law
The jury believed that the defendant was guilty.
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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 defendants
The Education and Justice departments, two of the top agencies named as defendants in the lawsuit, did not immediately return a request for comment.
—
Cayla Bamberger, New York Daily News, 25 Mar. 2025
The defendants reference Akeem Daniels, et al.
—Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 24 Mar. 2025
The discovery law creates a disincentive for defendants to take responsibility for their actions or to seek help, such as entering alcohol or drug treatment programs.
—Morgan Bitton, New York Daily News, 23 Mar. 2025
During the height of the pandemic, judges were in the courtroom, while attorneys and defendants appeared remotely.
—David Garrick, San Diego Union-Tribune, 23 Mar. 2025
Worst of all, those defendants are back in our communities, often re-offending.
—Morgan Bitton, New York Daily News, 23 Mar. 2025
These days, many attorneys and defendants now appear in person — but others still appear remotely for various reasons, streamlining court business and saving money.
—David Garrick, San Diego Union-Tribune, 23 Mar. 2025
The lawsuit, filed in Boone County Circuit Court, claims negligence by the fraternity led to Strain’s death and names the organization and individual members as defendants.
—Kendrick Calfee, Kansas City Star, 22 Mar. 2025
The plaintiff’s attorney and representatives of the defendants did not immediately respond to The Star’s requests for comment Saturday.
—Kendrick Calfee, Kansas City Star, 22 Mar. 2025
Cayla Bamberger, New York Daily News, 25 Mar. 2025
The defendants reference Akeem Daniels, et al.
—Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 24 Mar. 2025
The discovery law creates a disincentive for defendants to take responsibility for their actions or to seek help, such as entering alcohol or drug treatment programs.
—Morgan Bitton, New York Daily News, 23 Mar. 2025
During the height of the pandemic, judges were in the courtroom, while attorneys and defendants appeared remotely.
—David Garrick, San Diego Union-Tribune, 23 Mar. 2025
Worst of all, those defendants are back in our communities, often re-offending.
—Morgan Bitton, New York Daily News, 23 Mar. 2025
These days, many attorneys and defendants now appear in person — but others still appear remotely for various reasons, streamlining court business and saving money.
—David Garrick, San Diego Union-Tribune, 23 Mar. 2025
The lawsuit, filed in Boone County Circuit Court, claims negligence by the fraternity led to Strain’s death and names the organization and individual members as defendants.
—Kendrick Calfee, Kansas City Star, 22 Mar. 2025
The plaintiff’s attorney and representatives of the defendants did not immediately respond to The Star’s requests for comment Saturday.
—Kendrick Calfee, Kansas City Star, 22 Mar. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Defendants.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/defendants. Accessed 22 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share