1
as in protects
to drive danger or attack away from
a solemn oath to defend the mother country at any cost
Synonyms & Similar Words
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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
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Recent Examples of defends
The city attorney reviews and approves contracts and ordinances for legal compliance, defends the city against lawsuits, and brings civil lawsuits on behalf of the city.
—
The Editorial Board, Daily News, 20 May 2026
But the Lakers would have been in a tough spot without Smart this season, a player who still defends multiple positions at a high level and has a knack for making critical plays on both ends.
—Law Murray, New York Times, 18 May 2026
Continue reading … STANDING FIRM — New York Times defends controversial anti-Israel piece, 'no truth' to retraction claims.
—FOXNews.com, 13 May 2026
In the present day, the twins get fired when Racine defends her sister at work.
—Jourdain Searles, HollywoodReporter, 13 May 2026
But what struck some as fantastical Nolan defends as feasible.
—Eliana Dockterman, Time, 12 May 2026
Her father, Atticus Finch, is a lawyer and defends a Black man who’s been falsely accused of raping a white woman.
—Melinda Salchert, Southern Living, 10 May 2026
The companies that manage this well have repositioned it as a strategic capability—one that actively reallocates production, manages exposure across geographies and defends margin.
—Catherine Nekavand, Footwear News, 7 May 2026
He-Man is typically shown to be the alter ego of Prince Adam of the planet Eternia, who defends the secrets of Castle Grayskull, as well as the rest of Eternia, from the forces of the antagonist Skeletor.
—Sanat Pai Raikarall, Encyclopedia Britannica, 4 May 2026
The Editorial Board, Daily News, 20 May 2026
But the Lakers would have been in a tough spot without Smart this season, a player who still defends multiple positions at a high level and has a knack for making critical plays on both ends.
—Law Murray, New York Times, 18 May 2026
Continue reading … STANDING FIRM — New York Times defends controversial anti-Israel piece, 'no truth' to retraction claims.
—FOXNews.com, 13 May 2026
In the present day, the twins get fired when Racine defends her sister at work.
—Jourdain Searles, HollywoodReporter, 13 May 2026
But what struck some as fantastical Nolan defends as feasible.
—Eliana Dockterman, Time, 12 May 2026
Her father, Atticus Finch, is a lawyer and defends a Black man who’s been falsely accused of raping a white woman.
—Melinda Salchert, Southern Living, 10 May 2026
The companies that manage this well have repositioned it as a strategic capability—one that actively reallocates production, manages exposure across geographies and defends margin.
—Catherine Nekavand, Footwear News, 7 May 2026
He-Man is typically shown to be the alter ego of Prince Adam of the planet Eternia, who defends the secrets of Castle Grayskull, as well as the rest of Eternia, from the forces of the antagonist Skeletor.
—Sanat Pai Raikarall, Encyclopedia Britannica, 4 May 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for defends
Verb
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Car insurance protects you and other drivers from accidents, and it’s legally required for all drivers.—
Kate Tully Ellsworth,
USA Today,
18 May 2026
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Those laws sought to alter the reporting structure for the secretary or the directors in violation of Amendment 33 of the Arkansas Constitution, which protects the vested powers of constitutional boards, like the Board of Corrections, from usurpation by the governor, the General Assembly or both.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
18 May 2026
Verb
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That’s an acute disconnect for early-career filmmakers weighing whether the traditional path justifies the cost and risk.—
Dana Harris-Bridson,
IndieWire,
8 May 2026
-
But none of this justifies standing still.—
Peter S. Hendricks,
STAT,
6 May 2026
Verb
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The Athletic maintains full editorial independence.—
Data Skrive,
New York Times,
17 May 2026
-
Murdaugh maintains his innocence.—
Meredith Deliso,
ABC News,
16 May 2026
Verb
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Islam, like Christianity, upholds the dignity of every human being and encourages dialogue and reconciliation over conflict.—
Sun Sentinel Editorial Board,
Sun Sentinel,
29 Apr. 2026
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If the Supreme Court upholds the decisions, Haitians and Syrians will be able to keep their protections.—
Syra Ortiz Blanes,
Miami Herald,
28 Apr. 2026
Verb
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While some people claim lemon juice and olive oil can detoxify your body, improve digestion, treat kidney stones and joint pain, and prevent premature aging and cardiovascular disease, no evidence supports these health claims.—
Michelle Pugle,
Verywell Health,
19 May 2026
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The sales tax supports economic development projects in the city’s East Side, specifically between Ninth Street and Gregory Boulevard to the north and south, and Indiana Avenue and The Paseo to the east and west.—
Dylan Lysen
May 19,
Kansas City Star,
19 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Defends.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/defends. Accessed 21 May. 2026.
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