1
as in ammunition
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 excuse
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 defense
The order to dismiss the Adams case came from Bove, a former criminal defense lawyer for Trump who now holds a top job at the DOJ.
—
Dan Mangan, CNBC, 14 Feb. 2025
There's a lot of art imitating life, too, with Daniel learning from Johnny’s aggressive style and Johnny getting a crash course in Daniel’s balance and defense.
—Brian Truitt, USA TODAY, 14 Feb. 2025
On the milestone night for Lamberti, Lewandowski helped turn the tide in the third quarter with her pressure defense.
—Paul Johnson, Chicago Tribune, 13 Feb. 2025
An offensive-minded, proficient pick-and-roll partner is exactly what the doctor ordered for the second-year Frenchman — and Fox consistently driving into the teeth of defense with a trailing Wembanyama could be devastating for opposing teams.
—Anthony Slater, The Athletic, 3 Feb. 2025
See all Example Sentences for defense 
Dan Mangan, CNBC, 14 Feb. 2025
There's a lot of art imitating life, too, with Daniel learning from Johnny’s aggressive style and Johnny getting a crash course in Daniel’s balance and defense.
—Brian Truitt, USA TODAY, 14 Feb. 2025
On the milestone night for Lamberti, Lewandowski helped turn the tide in the third quarter with her pressure defense.
—Paul Johnson, Chicago Tribune, 13 Feb. 2025
An offensive-minded, proficient pick-and-roll partner is exactly what the doctor ordered for the second-year Frenchman — and Fox consistently driving into the teeth of defense with a trailing Wembanyama could be devastating for opposing teams.
—Anthony Slater, The Athletic, 3 Feb. 2025
See all Example Sentences for defense
Recent Examples of Synonyms for defense
Noun
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Deputies obtained a warrant for the Charger and found a purple semi-automatic rifle with a high-capacity drum magazine loaded with 57 rounds of 5.56 mm ammunition, according to the report.—
David Goodhue,
Miami Herald,
4 Feb. 2025
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Among the adjustments made in this patch are buffs for the effects of spray weapons, the ability for Helldivers to sprint while carrying objects two-handedly as well as to use grenades while leaning out of the FRV, and an increase to side arm ammunition.—
Anders Fogh Rasmussen,
Newsweek,
4 Feb. 2025
Noun
-
Use the seasons or holidays as an excuse to swap them out!—
Mary Cornetta,
Better Homes & Gardens,
7 Feb. 2025
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What if, the thinking goes, the prospect of CTE becomes an excuse for any violent or criminal behavior?—
Vahe Gregorian,
Kansas City Star,
7 Feb. 2025
Noun
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Its slim design fits easily into bags and pockets, including your favorite belt bag, while providing essential protection against digital theft.—
Samantha Leal,
Travel + Leisure,
14 Feb. 2025
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What To Know The Office of Personnel Management (OPM), which serves as the human resources department for the federal government, gave the order to lay off probationary workers, who have not gained the protections that many other federal workers have, the AP reported.—
Josh Hammer,
Newsweek,
14 Feb. 2025
Noun
-
This raised questions about political motivations, not legal justification.—
Josh Hammer,
Newsweek,
14 Feb. 2025
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Democrats and even some Republicans in Congress, like Sen. Chuck Grassley, have demanded that the administration provide a rationale, arguing that federal law requires a justification.—
Aaron Navarro,
CBS News,
12 Feb. 2025
Noun
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Meanwhile, health officials continue to stress that vaccines remain the most effective safeguard against measles and other preventable diseases.—
Yaakov Katz,
Newsweek,
8 Feb. 2025
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The settlement also requires the league to maintain safeguards put into place after a pair of investigations released in late 2022 that found widespread misconduct that affected multiple teams, coaches and players.—
Anne M. Peterson,
Chicago Tribune,
5 Feb. 2025
Noun
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The reason why a small army of goons has suddenly reappeared in his life is Rose (Ariana DeBose, another Oscar winner), a former mob lawyer who worked for Marvin’s kingpin brother, Alvin a.k.a.—
Bilge Ebiri,
Vulture,
7 Feb. 2025
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There are two main reasons, says Amy Watts, director of vision rehabilitation at Massachusetts Eye and Ear hospital.—
Jamie Ducharme,
TIME,
7 Feb. 2025
Noun
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Instead of protecting children, these exceptions have become a massive shield for EdTech companies to collect, maintain, and monetize student data with minimal oversight.—
Yaakov Katz,
Newsweek,
7 Feb. 2025
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Another factor is why the Trump administration is seeking such a shield.—
David Szondy,
New Atlas,
6 Feb. 2025
Noun
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He was found guilty by a federal jury on July 24, 1981, on seven counts of weapons, explosives and seditious conspiracy charges.—
Kori Rumore,
Chicago Tribune,
11 Feb. 2025
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Fragments of a rare Roman-era helmet and a trove of weapons were found by archaeologists at Løsning Søndermark, Denmark.—
Francesca Aton,
ARTnews.com,
11 Feb. 2025
Thesaurus Entries Near defense
Cite this Entry
“Defense.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/defense. Accessed 21 Feb. 2025.
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