as in guardians
someone that protects
one of the traditional roles of an older brother is that of schoolyard defender
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Recent Examples of defenders
Now, with some help from the defenders behind them, Cleveland’s pitchers have paved the way for a last-gasp run at a playoff spot.
—
Zack Meisel, New York Times, 15 Sep. 2025
The city has become a fortress, and Ukrainian defenders are doing everything possible to prevent it from falling.
—David Kirichenko, Forbes.com, 15 Sep. 2025
Defensive line Zach Sieler played 45 of Miami’s 60 defensive snaps, and PFF rated him 16th among Miami’s 20 defenders.
—Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 15 Sep. 2025
McMillan, who isn’t known for his breakaway speed, zoomed past defenders for a 40-yard gain, setting up the Panthers for their first points of the afternoon.
—Mike Kaye, Charlotte Observer, 15 Sep. 2025
After unleashing two monster stiff arms on defenders to break free, Canto-Osorio scampered along the left sideline and tried to beat the last defender to the pylon.
—Greg Dudek, Boston Herald, 13 Sep. 2025
Arguing further against a lopsided game, two Eagles defenders who wrecked Kansas City’s blocking in the Super Bowl have moved on.
—Tom Krasovic, San Diego Union-Tribune, 13 Sep. 2025
Trump’s defenders and critics sparred over whether the signature resembled his own.
—Brady Knox, The Washington Examiner, 9 Sep. 2025
Moore attempted to catch a pass from quarterback Caleb Wiliams over the middle of the field, when he was pulled down by defenders.
—James Brizuela, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 Sep. 2025
Zack Meisel, New York Times, 15 Sep. 2025
The city has become a fortress, and Ukrainian defenders are doing everything possible to prevent it from falling.
—David Kirichenko, Forbes.com, 15 Sep. 2025
Defensive line Zach Sieler played 45 of Miami’s 60 defensive snaps, and PFF rated him 16th among Miami’s 20 defenders.
—Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 15 Sep. 2025
McMillan, who isn’t known for his breakaway speed, zoomed past defenders for a 40-yard gain, setting up the Panthers for their first points of the afternoon.
—Mike Kaye, Charlotte Observer, 15 Sep. 2025
After unleashing two monster stiff arms on defenders to break free, Canto-Osorio scampered along the left sideline and tried to beat the last defender to the pylon.
—Greg Dudek, Boston Herald, 13 Sep. 2025
Arguing further against a lopsided game, two Eagles defenders who wrecked Kansas City’s blocking in the Super Bowl have moved on.
—Tom Krasovic, San Diego Union-Tribune, 13 Sep. 2025
Trump’s defenders and critics sparred over whether the signature resembled his own.
—Brady Knox, The Washington Examiner, 9 Sep. 2025
Moore attempted to catch a pass from quarterback Caleb Wiliams over the middle of the field, when he was pulled down by defenders.
—James Brizuela, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 Sep. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for defenders
Noun
-
In 2016, the Mans petitioned to become Natalia’s legal guardians; however, a hearing was required to determine whether Natalia was a minor or a legal adult.—
Lynsey Eidell,
PEOPLE,
12 Sep. 2025
-
The shop also mentors and trains locals to be guides and guardians of their backyard coastline.—
Terry Ward,
AFAR Media,
11 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
Two centuries ago, the Litunga (king) turned what had been his private hunting grounds over to his people as custodians.—
Mazuba Kapambwe,
AFAR Media,
10 Sep. 2025
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From ETFs pulling in tens of billions to companies adding bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies to their balance sheets, demand for trusted custodians is set to accelerate.—
Marie Poteriaieva,
Forbes.com,
9 Sep. 2025
Noun
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The nonprofit has served more than 1,000 Indigenous youths from 20 endangered rivers, with a goal to inspire them to become the next generation of water and river protectors.—
Debra Utacia Krol,
USA Today,
2 Sep. 2025
-
Last season, right guard Mike Onwenu and right tackle Morgan Moses graded out positively at Pro Football Focus, while Campbell and Wilson were in college, and Garrett Bradbury ranked among the NFL’s worst pass-protectors among all centers.—
Andrew Callahan,
Boston Herald,
31 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
But consolidation should be considered carefully, ideally with an advisor, because there may be trade-offs in protections or access.—
Larry Light,
Forbes.com,
19 Sep. 2025
-
The Biden administration granted the protections citing a severe humanitarian emergency, a collapse of basic services, political turbulence and economic problems.—
Syra Ortiz Blanes,
Miami Herald,
18 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
Hamas confirmed that six people were killed in the Doha strike, including the son of senior leader Khalil al-Hayya, his chief of staff and three bodyguards.—
Amira El-Fekki,
MSNBC Newsweek,
10 Sep. 2025
-
One of her bodyguards was killed in a shootout.—
Ray Long,
Chicago Tribune,
3 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
His father, a former military officer, was imprisoned following the Iranian revolution until his mother was able to negotiate his release with prison guards, according to reporting by the New York Times.—
Lily Mae Lazarus,
Fortune,
18 Sep. 2025
-
Lily Mathé, one of the orchestra’s best violinists, vividly remembered being made to play jolly tunes in the SS officers’ mess at Auschwitz every evening while the guards ate their dinner.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
17 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Defenders.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/defenders. Accessed 21 Sep. 2025.
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