as in guardians
someone that protects
one of the traditional roles of an older brother is that of schoolyard defender
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Recent Examples of defenders
With the Heat continuing to play small, Siakam was able to shoot over smaller defenders, including an easy jumper over Davion Mitchell, who’s eight inches shorter at an even six feet.
—
Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 30 Mar. 2026
With key Pistons defenders like Ausar Thompson (ankle), Cade Cunningham (lung), and Isaiah Stewart (calf) sidelined or doubtful, Gilgeous-Alexander has a prime opportunity to exploit the matchup.
—Tyler Everett, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Mar. 2026
Dugalić also prevented Thomas from getting easy duck-ins and finishing over the top of smaller defenders.
—Sabreena Merchant, New York Times, 30 Mar. 2026
That was Karaban, who was just outside the 3-point arc, but had two defenders closing in.
—Dom Amore, Hartford Courant, 30 Mar. 2026
Some of Rousseau’s defenders in the Canadian commentariat have raised fair questions about whether the CEO of a global business really needs to speak French; whether such a requirement narrows the talent pool too much; and whether any of this should even be the government’s business.
—Phil Wahba, Fortune, 30 Mar. 2026
In the 72nd minute, Dudinha, who finished with two assists, stole the ball from Chicago and passed it to Barcenas, who, while moving to her left, delivered a brilliant backheel to her right to evade two defenders.
—Fernando Ramirez, San Diego Union-Tribune, 29 Mar. 2026
Three scorers remained on one side of the court, and three defenders on the other in the only version of the sport girls were allowed to play.
—Joseph Dycus, Mercury News, 28 Mar. 2026
To cap the scoring run, Gianna Kneepkens flipped a pass to Betts, who spun around for a layup as defenders attempted to drag her down.
—Haley Sawyer, Daily News, 28 Mar. 2026
Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 30 Mar. 2026
With key Pistons defenders like Ausar Thompson (ankle), Cade Cunningham (lung), and Isaiah Stewart (calf) sidelined or doubtful, Gilgeous-Alexander has a prime opportunity to exploit the matchup.
—Tyler Everett, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Mar. 2026
Dugalić also prevented Thomas from getting easy duck-ins and finishing over the top of smaller defenders.
—Sabreena Merchant, New York Times, 30 Mar. 2026
That was Karaban, who was just outside the 3-point arc, but had two defenders closing in.
—Dom Amore, Hartford Courant, 30 Mar. 2026
Some of Rousseau’s defenders in the Canadian commentariat have raised fair questions about whether the CEO of a global business really needs to speak French; whether such a requirement narrows the talent pool too much; and whether any of this should even be the government’s business.
—Phil Wahba, Fortune, 30 Mar. 2026
In the 72nd minute, Dudinha, who finished with two assists, stole the ball from Chicago and passed it to Barcenas, who, while moving to her left, delivered a brilliant backheel to her right to evade two defenders.
—Fernando Ramirez, San Diego Union-Tribune, 29 Mar. 2026
Three scorers remained on one side of the court, and three defenders on the other in the only version of the sport girls were allowed to play.
—Joseph Dycus, Mercury News, 28 Mar. 2026
To cap the scoring run, Gianna Kneepkens flipped a pass to Betts, who spun around for a layup as defenders attempted to drag her down.
—Haley Sawyer, Daily News, 28 Mar. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for defenders
Noun
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Before infants were enrolled in the AL16 study, their parents or guardians had to sign consent forms disclosing, among other things, the risks that clinical trial subjects would face.—
David Hilzenrath,
USA Today,
29 Mar. 2026
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Other exceptions include an allowance for coaches to enter during athletic events, or for parents or guardians to accompany a child or family member who needs assistance.—
Becca Savransky,
Idaho Statesman,
27 Mar. 2026
Noun
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Athletic coaches, people responding to emergencies, people supervising inmates, custodians, and people helping children who need bathroom assistance get a pass.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
26 Mar. 2026
-
Markups apply to the metals themselves, while IRA fees cover account setup, administration and storage through third-party custodians and depositories.—
Nick Perry,
USA Today,
24 Mar. 2026
Noun
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Preservation Chicago and Landmarks Illinois remain invaluable protectors of our architectural heritage.—
Jennifer N. Pritzker,
Chicago Tribune,
22 Mar. 2026
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Old bed sheets are the perfect textile protectors, keeping your couch looking and smelling fresh for longer.—
Louise Parks,
Martha Stewart,
13 Mar. 2026
Noun
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Coggins said the deportation violated due process rights and protections under DACA, which Estrada Juarez obtained in 2013.—
Sacbee.com,
Sacbee.com,
1 Apr. 2026
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Reversing those protections now would not be neutral.—
Judy L. Thomas,
Kansas City Star,
31 Mar. 2026
Noun
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Big leaguers playing in winter leagues back in Venezuela have historically brought bodyguards with them to the ballpark.—
Hannah Keyser,
CNN Money,
11 Mar. 2026
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In the film, Molly (Gina Ravera), who is the friend and roommate of protagonist Nomi (Elizabeth Berkley), is assaulted by a famous singer and his bodyguards.—
Daysia Tolentino,
Entertainment Weekly,
11 Mar. 2026
Noun
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Consider installing gutter guards or screens, which help block debris from entering while still allowing water through.—
Lauren Jarvis-Gibson,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
31 Mar. 2026
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For homeowners who want to minimize ongoing gutter work, guards represent a practical investment.—
Lauren Jarvis-Gibson,
Kansas City Star,
31 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Defenders.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/defenders. Accessed 4 Apr. 2026.
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