1
as in ammunition
means or method of defending
thorns are a rose's defense against grazing animals
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in excuse
an explanation that frees one from fault or blame
there's absolutely no defense for your actions
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of defense
He was shuffled off to Philadelphia for the Second Continental Congress ostensibly to secure money for the colony’s defense but also to get him out of the way.
—
Adam Van Brimmer,
AJC.com,
30 June 2026
Keanu Reeves came to Rinsch’s defense last month, asking the judge for leniency in the case.
—
Alejandra Gularte,
Vulture,
30 June 2026
This global aerospace and defense firm gets top ratings for manufacturing engineers and supply chain managers, among other jobs.
—
Daniel De Visé,
USA Today,
29 June 2026
The 34-year-old’s wins came against Yair Rodriguez, Arnold Allen, Korean Zombie, Justin Gaethje (for the BMF title), and Dustin Poirier (defense of the BMF title).
—
Trent Reinsmith,
Forbes.com,
29 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for defense
Adam Van Brimmer,
AJC.com,
30 June 2026
Keanu Reeves came to Rinsch’s defense last month, asking the judge for leniency in the case.
—
Alejandra Gularte,
Vulture,
30 June 2026
This global aerospace and defense firm gets top ratings for manufacturing engineers and supply chain managers, among other jobs.
—
Daniel De Visé,
USA Today,
29 June 2026
The 34-year-old’s wins came against Yair Rodriguez, Arnold Allen, Korean Zombie, Justin Gaethje (for the BMF title), and Dustin Poirier (defense of the BMF title).
—
Trent Reinsmith,
Forbes.com,
29 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for defense
Recent Examples of Synonyms for defense
Noun
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In Gohrischheide, in eastern Germany, a fire broke out in a large forest that's still contaminated with ammunition from World War II, complicating efforts by firefighters.
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In Gohrischheide, in eastern Germany, a fire broke out in a large forest that’s still contaminated with ammunition from World War II, which made the firefighters’ efforts even more complicated.
Noun
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There’s no excuse not to organize your pills for travel when this organizer is on sale for just $8.
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The Fourth of July is, for many of us, a welcome excuse for barbecues, beach outings and fireworks — a holiday defined by gathering, but also some pretty ambitious eating and drinking too.
Noun
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Talk of consumer protection could be a result of recent allegations against Miller, who joined ESPN in 2021.
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The organization warned that as search-and-rescue teams begin to scale back operations, humanitarian needs—particularly food, medical care and protection services—could intensify rather than diminish.
Noun
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Creative output alone is no longer sufficient justification for investment.
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What was the breakdown for and against and what justifications did the majority give for its decision?
Noun
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Pair it with flip-flops, shield sunglasses, and a silver pendant necklace for a look that feels minimal but edgy.
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On the wall across the bar are autographs of former USMNT greats, scrawled inside a mighty shield.
Noun
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But this also is among the reasons her books are considered must-reads in the classroom, and contemporary classics.
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The Los Angeles Dodgers made headlines in 2025 for a number of reasons.
Noun
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Alarum also says its SDKs are meant for bandwidth-sharing with notice, consent and safeguards.
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Leaders should be careful about sharing sensitive company information, employee details, legal matters or confidential strategy without the right safeguards.
Noun
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Officials have not reported discovering caches containing cash, gold or weapons and have not publicly commented on the broader allegations.
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The department will also deploy counterterrorism resources, explosive detection K-9s, bomb squad personnel and heavy weapons teams, along with plain clothes officers and a harbor unit for the waterways.
Cite this Entry
“Defense.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/defense. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.
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