1
as in protecting
to drive danger or attack away from
a solemn oath to defend the mother country at any cost
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in justifying
to continue to declare to be true or proper despite opposition or objections
she will pigheadedly defend any claim regardless of all evidence to the contrary
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of defending
With his second goal of the night, the Broncos, in their inaugural appearance in the Frozen Four, defeated the defending national champions from Denver, with their record nine national titles, 3-2 in the second double-overtime game between the teams in a month.
—
Scott Wheeler, New York Times, 11 Apr. 2025
Spurs also thrashed City 4-0 at the Etihad in the league back when Pep Guardiola’s defending champions were starting to wobble but were still second in the table.
—Jay Harris, New York Times, 11 Apr. 2025
The Yankees signed the 38-year-old to a minor league free agent contract in February, but after a series of injuries left the defending American League champs with three holes in their five-man rotation, Carrasco pitched his way into filling one with an impressive spring training.
—Daniel R. Depetris, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 Apr. 2025
The defending champion was unfazed.
—Ryan Canfield, FOXNews.com, 10 Apr. 2025
Johansson talked about small details in defending the rush.
—Max Bultman, New York Times, 10 Apr. 2025
Lou Marin is executive vice-president of the Florida Republican Assembly, a conservative organization defending America First values.
—Lou Marin, The Orlando Sentinel, 30 Mar. 2025
The defending World Series champions finished in sixth place 15-and-a-half games back with a dismal 76-85 record.
—Raymond Daniel Burke, Baltimore Sun, 29 Mar. 2025
While Mayer failed to meet her objective, the defending champion made a statement nonetheless.
—Trent Reinsmith, Forbes.com, 29 Mar. 2025
Scott Wheeler, New York Times, 11 Apr. 2025
Spurs also thrashed City 4-0 at the Etihad in the league back when Pep Guardiola’s defending champions were starting to wobble but were still second in the table.
—Jay Harris, New York Times, 11 Apr. 2025
The Yankees signed the 38-year-old to a minor league free agent contract in February, but after a series of injuries left the defending American League champs with three holes in their five-man rotation, Carrasco pitched his way into filling one with an impressive spring training.
—Daniel R. Depetris, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 Apr. 2025
The defending champion was unfazed.
—Ryan Canfield, FOXNews.com, 10 Apr. 2025
Johansson talked about small details in defending the rush.
—Max Bultman, New York Times, 10 Apr. 2025
Lou Marin is executive vice-president of the Florida Republican Assembly, a conservative organization defending America First values.
—Lou Marin, The Orlando Sentinel, 30 Mar. 2025
The defending World Series champions finished in sixth place 15-and-a-half games back with a dismal 76-85 record.
—Raymond Daniel Burke, Baltimore Sun, 29 Mar. 2025
While Mayer failed to meet her objective, the defending champion made a statement nonetheless.
—Trent Reinsmith, Forbes.com, 29 Mar. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for defending
Verb
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This process must ensure that risk management is aligned with current regulations, established company policies and industry best practices, thereby protecting security, privacy and corporate integrity.—
Susana Sierra,
Forbes,
26 Dec. 2024
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But the brains of the hybrid mice developed fewer of these tangles and plaques, as if the sleep mutations were protecting the animals.—
Marla Broadfoot,
Smithsonian Magazine,
26 Dec. 2024
Verb
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Reminds [me] also of the aggressors' narratives for justifying many other military interventions, occupations, and annexations in world history.—
Kevin Sabet,
Newsweek,
24 Mar. 2025
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On the other hand, proponents assert that a deep and competitive conference naturally improves the quality of its member teams, thereby justifying this approach.—
Sindiswa Mabunda,
Forbes,
19 Mar. 2025
Verb
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Essential functions, such as processing electronic returns and maintaining computer systems would continue but at a much slower pace.—
Faisal Kutty,
Newsweek,
11 Mar. 2025
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Throughout the crisis, staffers kept everyone safe while maintaining the same high level of service and hospitality.—
Lisa Cericola,
Southern Living,
11 Mar. 2025
Verb
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Cops at the scene were photographed guarding pools of blood near the building’s entrance.—
Thomas Tracy,
New York Daily News,
21 Mar. 2025
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The guy who may be assigned to guarding Fland, KU senior Dajuan Harris, scored 26 points in the scrimmage against Arkansas and Fland in October.—
Gary Bedore,
Kansas City Star,
17 Mar. 2025
Verb
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Opponents of the law say the lower court gave too much deference to the federal government’s national security concerns and not enough consideration of freedom of expression when upholding the law.—
Maureen Groppe,
USA TODAY,
20 Dec. 2024
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Our goal is to continue expanding thoughtfully into new markets while upholding the high standards that have brought us to this point.—
Caroline Tell,
Forbes,
19 Dec. 2024
Verb
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The top priority for now is identifying the victims, supporting their families and treating the two survivors, Choi told a disaster management meeting in Seoul.—
Ju-min Park and Hongji Kim,
USA TODAY,
31 Dec. 2024
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If your current job in comms is growing stale, consider pivoting to supporting an organization fighting climate change.—
Aliza Knox,
Forbes,
31 Dec. 2024
Cite this Entry
“Defending.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/defending. Accessed 21 Apr. 2025.
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