as in vulnerable
lacking protection from danger or resistance against attack
the lack of warm clothing left the hikers defenseless against the unexpected cold snap
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Recent Examples of Synonyms for defenseless
Adjective
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Any monetary system, including our current fiat arrangement, is vulnerable to manipulation.—
Robert Daugherty,
Forbes.com,
31 Mar. 2025 -
In the message sent at 2 a.m., Baldoni apologized and also thanked Lively for being vulnerable with him.—
Tracy Wright,
FOXNews.com,
31 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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Many parents are left feeling helpless—a common experience among pop-parenting adherents.—
Gail Cornwall,
The Atlantic,
3 Apr. 2025
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Detroit Red Wings defenseman Moritz Seider was helpless to stop his former teammate, falling to the ice as Perron beat Detroit goalie Alex Lyon gloveside.—
Julian McKenzie,
New York Times,
28 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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Tomato, pepper, eggplant and tomatillo are all susceptible to the same suite of soil pathogens.—
Nan Sterman,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
5 Apr. 2025
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In recent years, the number of satellite launches has increased, resulting in thousands of satellites in low-Earth orbit that are susceptible to cyberattacks.—
Chuck Brooks,
Forbes.com,
5 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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The Nets still got plenty in return for Durant: Cam Johnson, nine unprotected first-round picks, one protected first round pick, two first-round swaps and three second-round picks.—
C.J. Holmes,
New York Daily News,
3 Apr. 2025
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If that happens and the Heat land in the lottery and keep their pick, Oklahoma City then gets the rights to Miami’s unprotected first-round pick in the 2026 NBA Draft.—
Nick Crain,
Forbes.com,
29 Mar. 2025
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Cite this Entry
“Defenseless.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/defenseless. Accessed 15 Apr. 2025.
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