Thesaurus results for DEFENDERS

defenders

noun

plural of defender

as in guardians

someone that protects one of the traditional roles of an older brother is that of schoolyard defender

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Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of defenders In the fourth quarter, Acuff sliced through four defenders in the paint and floated one in off the back rim. — Devon Henderson, New York Times, 5 July 2026 Haaland then broke through Ivory Coast’s defenders to seal the win in the 86th minute. — Skyler Caruso, PEOPLE, 6 July 2026 There were warning signs blinking about the quality of the defenders for weeks and on Monday those prophecies were fulfilled. — Kevin Dotson, CNN Money, 6 July 2026 Galarza sent a cross to Enciso, who was unmarked by Germany's defenders and easily headed it past goalkeeper Manuel Neuer. — Kyle Hightower, CBS News, 30 June 2026 Before signing a one-year, $12 million deal with San Francisco, Arraez graded out as one of the worst defenders in baseball since making his debut. — Justice Delos Santos, Mercury News, 5 July 2026 Incoming ballistic missiles can travel at several kilometers per second, leaving defenders with only a narrow engagement window. — Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 6 July 2026 The 13-day siege ended with Mexican troops overrunning the Texian defenders, a loss that became a rallying cry for the Texas Revolution. — Andrea Margolis, FOXNews.com, 5 July 2026 The ringleader is Virgil van Dijk, one of the best defenders of his generation with Liverpool, who has captained the Oranje for a national record 72 appearances and represented the Dutch national team for a decade. — Andrew Greif, NBC news, 30 June 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for defenders

Noun

This winning series captures a row of poplar trees planted along the banks of the River Po in Italy, which are natural guardians against flooding, now standing immersed in perfectly still water beneath soft, diffused light.

— Cecilia Rodriguez, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026
After July 4, parents, guardians, grandparents and others can also contribute up to $5,000 a year.

— Jessica Dickler, CNBC, 2 July 2026

Definition of guardians

Noun

Defense The primary reason the Lakers likely chose Kessler over offering a max deal to Detroit Pistons restricted free agent Jalen Duren is that Kessler is one of the NBA’s best rim protectors.

— Sam Vecenie, New York Times, 2 July 2026
Krypto is one of the protectors of the universe, like Sagittarius, which is why the Superdog is one of the most interesting stars of the movie.

— Lisa Stardust, PEOPLE, 26 June 2026

Definition of protectors

Noun

In a 6-3 ruling split along ideological lines, the Supreme Court determined that federal caps on coordinated spending between candidates and political parties violate constitutional free speech protections.

— David Sivak, The Washington Examiner, 4 July 2026
Hawaii The state allows participation based on gender identity, with protections rooted in broader state anti-discrimination laws.

— Jackson Thompson OutKick, FOXNews.com, 3 July 2026

Definition of protections

Noun

Upon leaving the White House in March 1909, Roosevelt presented the canvas to his chief disbursing officer, Crook, who had served as one of Lincoln's personal bodyguards during the final year of his life.

— Douglas Brinkley, USA Today, 24 May 2026
Members of the Jalisco cartel have been charged with orchestrating the attack and several of Manzo’s bodyguards were arrested for possible participation.

— Kate Linthicum, Los Angeles Times, 18 May 2026

Definition of bodyguards

Noun

The Lakers were eliminated by Oklahoma City, who relied on standout performances from young guards Jared McCain and Ajay Mitchell to overcome a quiet series from Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and an injury to Jalen Williams.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 5 July 2026
Armed guards routinely patrol outside synagogues, Jewish community centers and schools.

— John Blake, CNN Money, 5 July 2026

Definition of guards

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“Defenders.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/defenders. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of defenders

noun

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