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 The Kenyan defensive midfielder then knifed between a trio of Madison defenders, finding himself 1-on-1 with Harms. — Idaho Statesman, 9 Aug. 2026 Ally Schlegel fought off multiple defenders and played it to Evelyn Ijeh who calmly slotted it home to double North Carolina's lead in the ninth minute. — ABC News, 9 Aug. 2026 The Wings’ defense struggled against the Valkyries, who were regularly beating their defenders off the dribble and getting to the basket. — Lawrence Dow, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 8 Aug. 2026 This week, PCMag's security team touched down in the sweltering heat of Las Vegas to join thousands of hackers, researchers, and enterprise defenders at Black Hat. — Kim Key, PC Magazine, 8 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 confederations are presenting themselves not as rivals attempting to weaken FIFA, but as guardians of a collective system.
    — Clemente Lisi, Forbes.com, 10 Aug. 2026
  • Donors should bring a photo ID and must be at least 17 years of age, or 16 with a parent or guardian’s consent.
    — Anne Gelhaus, Mercury News, 9 Aug. 2026
Definition of guardian
Noun
  • More from this past week • A transgender woman who works as a custodian at the University of Kansas was reported for using the wrong restroom under a new state law.
    — Matthew Kelly, Kansas City Star, 12 Aug. 2026
  • Two school custodians have been found shot dead in a Chicago elementary school, according to Chicago ABC station WLS.
    — David Brennan, ABC News, 11 Aug. 2026
Definition of custodian
Noun
  • No two tales of what happened to Maelor after his knight protector was shot dead agree, but the young boy was also slain on the bridge, perhaps torn apart by the mob who assailed him, arguing over what to do with the young prince.
    — Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 10 Aug. 2026
  • Blind side protector of Jayden Daniels could miss large part of season after suffering a torn triceps plus other takeaways from Week 2 of training camp.
    — Tashan Reed, Washington Post, 8 Aug. 2026
Definition of protector
Noun
  • Payton has talked routinely in camp about Coleman being further along than other first-year backs in his ability to grasp pass-protection responsibilities.
    — Nick Kosmider, New York Times, 15 Aug. 2026
  • But the fate of Mangione’s state case, set to go to trial next month, now hangs in the balance as his attorneys seek to get second-degree murder and weapons charges dismissed over double jeopardy protections.
    — Kara Scannell, CNN Money, 15 Aug. 2026
Definition of protection
Noun
  • The slayings also caused caution among stars and socialites, who began working more often with bodyguards and security details.
    — Jessica Sager, PEOPLE, 9 Aug. 2026
  • We’re told that Severance‘s Lachman plays Impa, the bodyguard and advisor to up-and-comer Bo Bragason’s Princess Zelda.
    — Matt Grobar, Deadline, 7 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 17 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on defender

Nglish: Translation of defender for Spanish Speakers

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