Synonyms of defense

defense 1 of 2

noun (1)

di-ˈfen(t)s 

1

as in ammunition

means or method of defending

thorns are a rose's defense against grazing animals

Synonyms & Similar Words

• ammunition
• protection
• safeguard
• shield
• weapon
• wall
• security
• armor
• guard
• screen
• ward
• armament
• aegis
• cover
• weaponry
• buckler
• munitions
• egis
• fortress
• stronghold
• fort
• arm
• palisade
• fastness

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• attack
• offense
• assault
• aggression
• offensive
• offence

2

as in excuse

an explanation that frees one from fault or blame

there's absolutely no defense for your actions

Synonyms & Similar Words

• excuse
• justification
• reason
• plea
• alibi
• apology
• rationalization
• rationale
• vindication
• pretext
• pretence
• confession
• out
• guise
• atonement
• pretense
• whitewash
• acknowledgment
• acknowledgement
• color
• extenuation
• cop-out
• palliation

defenselessness

2 of 2

noun (2)

as in vulnerability

the quality or state of having little resistance to some outside agent

our utter defenselessness against the rising floodwaters quickly became apparent

Synonyms & Similar Words

• vulnerability
• susceptibility
• weakness
• sensitivity
• exposure
• helplessness
• powerlessness
• proneness
• passivity
• feebleness
• passiveness
• predisposition
• naiveté
• openness
• naïveté
• receptivity
• infirmity
• receptiveness
• gullibility
• frailty
• easiness
• naivete
• credulity
• frailness
• liability
• credulousness

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• invulnerability
• immunity
• impenetrability
• invincibility
• indomitability
• indomitableness

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of defense

Noun

Her defense attorney, Douglas Molloy, didn’t immediately return McClatchy News’ request for comment April 14. —Julia Marnin, Miami Herald, 14 Apr. 2025

Another important facet to Meta's defense is just how different the social media ecosystem is today, versus 2012 and 2014, when the company made those purchases. —Bobby Allyn, NPR, 13 Apr. 2025

Newsweek has reached out to the Chinese defense ministry for comment by email. —Kevin Sabet, Newsweek, 24 Mar. 2025

Continue reading … JUDGE ME NOT – Sheriff accused of gunning down magistrate in his chambers reveals his defense. —Fox News, 24 Mar. 2025