defends

verb

present tense third-person singular of defend
1
as in protects
to drive danger or attack away from a solemn oath to defend the mother country at any cost

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in justifies
to continue to declare to be true or proper despite opposition or objections she will pigheadedly defend any claim regardless of all evidence to the contrary

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 defends The 16-year-old New Zealand amateur successfully defends her title, closing with a 6-under 64 for her fourth win in 14 professional events. — Assistant Sports Editor, Los Angeles Times, 25 Aug. 2026 Romero defends his belt for the first time, while Lopez makes his 147-pound debut, eyeing future undisputed glory. — Brian Mazique, Forbes.com, 23 Aug. 2026 This performance is a textbook example of what happens when an opponent defends particularly well and Bruno Fernandes does not bail United out. — Liam Tharme, New York Times, 23 Aug. 2026 Continue reading … PARENTAL RIGHTS ROW — Florida Dem Senate nominee defends taking her kids to drag queen shows. — FOXNews.com, 21 Aug. 2026 Aloe and Centella asiatica lend soothing benefits, antioxidant-rich green tea defends against environmental stressors, and ceramides support the skin barrier. — Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 20 Aug. 2026 The number of complaints involving Discord between January and July increased by 54% compared to the same period last year, according to data from Safernet Brazil, a nonprofit that defends human rights on the internet. — ABC News, 17 Aug. 2026 Sasa takes on a rape case that strikes close to home, while his friend Kalle defends a client in a gang trial that tests his ideals. — Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 11 Aug. 2026 Trump defends Pete Hegseth amid concerns about the defense secretary’s leadership. — Elizabeth Robinson, NBC news, 7 Aug. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for defends
  1. protects
  2. justifies
  3. maintains
  4. upholds
  5. supports
Verb
  • Check the numbers, name the boundary, and choose the workaround that protects both freedom and trust.
    — Tarot.com, The Orlando Sentinel, 28 Aug. 2026
  • Strong enforcement protects consumers and competitive markets.
    — Robin Rossenfeld, Denver Post, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of protects
Verb
  • And because of the scheduling changes cited above, the number of games no longer justifies the cost.
    — Bobby Burack OutKick, FOXNews.com, 24 Aug. 2026
  • That is the premium lane with fewer tokens, priced for the work that justifies them.
    — Mark Minevich, Fortune, 21 Aug. 2026
Definition of justifies
Verb
  • Raising military pay and expanding firepower were positive measures, but whether Tinubu maintains the political energy needed to fully implement structural changes beyond this election season remains to be seen, Barnett said.
    — Alexander Onukwue, semafor.com, 31 Aug. 2026
  • However, Gabbana maintains his creative responsibilities within the group together with Domenico Dolce, Alfonso’s brother.
    — Luisa Zargani, Footwear News, 31 Aug. 2026
Definition of maintains
Verb
  • The ruling Wednesday by a Cole County judge upholds a decision by Republican Secretary of State Denny Hoskins, who had blocked the amendment from the November ballot despite thousands of petition signatures for it.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 19 Aug. 2026
  • If the District Court upholds the denial, your application is considered exhausted.
    — Brian Sloan, CNBC, 21 July 2026
Definition of upholds
Verb
  • The commitment supports Nvidia's argument that customers are generating enough returns on its AI infrastructure to justify continued spending.
    — Alexa LoMonaco, CNBC, 29 Aug. 2026
  • Why doctors say bidets may be healthier Converts often describe simply feeling cleaner, and some research supports the idea.
    — Hanna Wickes, Sacbee.com, 29 Aug. 2026
Definition of supports

Browse Nearby Words

defending
defends
defenestrate
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Cite this Entry

“Defends.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/defends. Accessed 2 Sep. 2026.

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