1
as in safeguards
means or method of defending
thorns are a rose's defense against grazing animals
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2
as in excuses
an explanation that frees one from fault or blame
there's absolutely no defense for your actions
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Recent Examples of defenses
Conner’s constantly able to get open shots because of the pressure Van Lith and Prince put on defenses.
—
Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 15 Mar. 2025
And defenses are wisely turning Bam Adebayo into a facilitator.
—Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 15 Mar. 2025
Meanwhile, Russian air defenses intercepted four Ukrainian drones over Moscow, with one damaging an apartment building near the Kremlin.
—Amanda Castro, Newsweek, 14 Mar. 2025
Ukrainian air defenses shot down 74 of the drones, while 38 veered off course, the air force said.
—Raja Krishnamoorthi, Newsweek, 13 Mar. 2025
Similarly, players feel there aren’t enough defenses against espionage.
—Ars Technica, 13 Mar. 2025
As the situation unfolds, concerns about the stability of Ukraine’s defenses and the prospects for a lasting peace remain at the forefront of international dialogue.
—Kapil Kajal, Interesting Engineering, 13 Mar. 2025
The alliance is known to be short on air defenses and long-range missiles, while also grappling with how to pull in fresh talent.
—Matt Robison, Newsweek, 18 Feb. 2025
His ability to get downhill on offense is impressive and has defenses consistently trying to scheme against him.
—Matt Robison, Newsweek, 18 Feb. 2025
Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 15 Mar. 2025
And defenses are wisely turning Bam Adebayo into a facilitator.
—Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 15 Mar. 2025
Meanwhile, Russian air defenses intercepted four Ukrainian drones over Moscow, with one damaging an apartment building near the Kremlin.
—Amanda Castro, Newsweek, 14 Mar. 2025
Ukrainian air defenses shot down 74 of the drones, while 38 veered off course, the air force said.
—Raja Krishnamoorthi, Newsweek, 13 Mar. 2025
Similarly, players feel there aren’t enough defenses against espionage.
—Ars Technica, 13 Mar. 2025
As the situation unfolds, concerns about the stability of Ukraine’s defenses and the prospects for a lasting peace remain at the forefront of international dialogue.
—Kapil Kajal, Interesting Engineering, 13 Mar. 2025
The alliance is known to be short on air defenses and long-range missiles, while also grappling with how to pull in fresh talent.
—Matt Robison, Newsweek, 18 Feb. 2025
His ability to get downhill on offense is impressive and has defenses consistently trying to scheme against him.
—Matt Robison, Newsweek, 18 Feb. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Defenses.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/defenses. Accessed 23 Apr. 2025.
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