defender

noun

di-ˈfen-dər How to pronounce defender (audio)
Definition of defendernext
as in guardian
someone that protects one of the traditional roles of an older brother is that of schoolyard defender

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Example Sentences

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 defender Seattle grabbed the lead when Joveljić scored in the 12th minute, using assists from rookie Sebastian Gomez — his first — and defender Kalani Kossa-Rienzi — his second. — ABC News, 29 Aug. 2026 To follow Nied’s score, Knowles leaped over two defenders, falling near the pylon. — Charles Baggarly, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 28 Aug. 2026 Kiffin left his former defensive coordinator the league’s top returning quarterback in Trindidad Chambliss, one of the top tailbacks in Kewan Lacy and playmaking defenders Will Echoles and Suntarine Perkins. — Edgar Thompson, The Orlando Sentinel, 28 Aug. 2026 Thibodeaux is a better edge-setting run defender than Carter, so if the Giants can’t stop the run, his playing time and usage could increase quickly. — Pat Leonard, New York Daily News, 28 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for defender
Recent Examples of Synonyms for defender
  1. guardian
  2. custodian
  3. protector
  4. protection
  5. bodyguard
Noun
  • The country has long had one of the world’s highest maternal mortality rates, now exacerbated by the Taliban’s ban on medical training for women and the requirement that women patients be accompanied to appointments by a male guardian.
    — The Week US, TheWeek, 31 Aug. 2026
  • Once an account is established, parents, guardians, grandparents and others can also contribute up to $5,000 per year until the year before the beneficiary turns 18.
    — Jessica Dickler, CNBC, 31 Aug. 2026
Definition of guardian
Noun
  • Every year Jim Evans faces the challenge of keeping health care costs reasonable for the more than 400 teachers, custodians and bus drivers at Concord Community Schools.
    — Alex Olgin, NPR, 26 Aug. 2026
  • Three men with very different vested interests across their roles as player, broadcaster and custodian.
    — Ben Jones Aug. 26, New York Times, 26 Aug. 2026
Definition of custodian
Noun
  • The intervention underscores Russia’s new role as protector of military regimes across the Sahel, where Africa Corps has replaced Wagner and prioritizes keeping juntas in power over battling insurgent groups.
    — Chinedu Asadu, Los Angeles Times, 31 Aug. 2026
  • Naturally, Dany, Pau, and Ale have become fierce protectors of this empire, working overtime for the sheer love of it.
    — Selena Fragassi, SPIN, 27 Aug. 2026
Definition of protector
Noun
  • The approach can provide thermal protection without pumps or circulating coolant.
    — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 28 Aug. 2026
  • As a result, many drivers opt for uninsured motorist coverage for additional financial protection, which can increase insurance costs.
    — McKynzie Steward, AJC.com, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of protection
Noun
  • In true Renaissance fashion, the two were surrounded by their yeomen, personal bodyguards to the nobles.
    — Rashad Alexander August 31, Kansas City Star, 31 Aug. 2026
  • The Dutch police assigned round-the-clock bodyguards to protect Tahmasbi and began shuttling him through a series of safe houses.
    — Cora Engelbrecht, New Yorker, 24 Aug. 2026
Definition of bodyguard

Browse Nearby Words

defended
defender
defenders
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Cite this Entry

“Defender.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/defender. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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