defend

Synonym Chooser

How is the word defend different from other verbs like it?

Some common synonyms of defend are guard, protect, safeguard, and shield. While all these words mean "to keep secure from danger or against attack," defend denotes warding off actual or threatened attack.

defend the country

When is guard a more appropriate choice than defend?

The meanings of guard and defend largely overlap; however, guard implies protecting with vigilance and force against expected danger.

White House entrances are well guarded

When would protect be a good substitute for defend?

The synonyms protect and defend are sometimes interchangeable, but protect implies the use of something (such as a covering) as a bar to the admission or impact of what may attack or injure.

a hard hat to protect your head

When might safeguard be a better fit than defend?

Although the words safeguard and defend have much in common, safeguard implies taking precautionary protective measures against merely possible danger.

our civil liberties must be safeguarded

Where would shield be a reasonable alternative to defend?

The words shield and defend are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, shield suggests protective intervention in imminent danger or actual attack.

shielded her eyes from the sun with her hand

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 defend The defending champs paddled to victory at the first race of the 2025 Triple Crown season, New York's General Clinton Canoe Regatta, in May. Jenna Prestininzi, Freep.com, 25 July 2025 At the same time, another letter signed by prominent tech leaders defends Maguire against the backlash, this one with more than 1,400 signees. Ramishah Maruf, CNN Money, 25 July 2025 President Donald Trump defended the weakening U.S. dollar during a conversation with reporters Friday. Suzanne Blake, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 July 2025 The Brandy battle isn’t Temu’s first exposure to defending itself in court. Meghan Hall, Sourcing Journal, 24 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for defend
Recent Examples of Synonyms for defend
Verb
  • The formula blends potent ingredients—edelweiss native cells, niacinamide, and ginger root extract—to strengthen hair fibers, protecting against mechanical damage caused by frequent brushing or styling.
    Kiana Murden, Vogue, 15 July 2025
  • Insurance can help protect you from unexpected legal or financial difficulties.
    Anne-Lyse Ngatta, Forbes.com, 15 July 2025
Verb
  • However, the Commission did not indicate any sudden or unexpected event that would justify the urgency.
    Jon McGowan, Forbes.com, 24 July 2025
  • Lay of the land Advocates for the Golden Dome point to recent events to justify the program.
    Stephen Clark, ArsTechnica, 23 July 2025
Verb
  • Shaping and adapting strategies that will safeguard digital infrastructure and foster a secure technological environment for the future is a critical path.
    Chuck Brooks, Forbes.com, 14 July 2025
  • The Jennings family chose to safeguard their property with a conservation easement with the Land Trust for Tennessee.
    Laura L. Davis, The Tennessean, 13 July 2025
Verb
  • Two-way traffic will be maintained during construction.
    Sofia Joseph, jsonline.com, 22 July 2025
  • This practice helps maintain brand consistency and maximize the return on creative production budgets.
    Andrew Fingerman, Forbes.com, 21 July 2025
Verb
  • During a recent interview in Rolling Stone, Murph was guarded but self-reflective.
    Jonathan Bernstein, Rolling Stone, 14 July 2025
  • In the first quarter, Clark was being guarded closely and well out from beyond the 3-point line.
    Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 14 July 2025
Verb
  • Those partners worked toward alignment, data sharing, co-funding of field programs and upholding rigorous standards for the organic cotton industry.
    Jennifer Bringle, Sourcing Journal, 14 July 2025
  • One expert believes the legal argument should shift from upholding the rights of individual Native people to upholding tribal rights to their religions.
    Debra Utacia Krol, AZCentral.com, 13 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Defend.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/defend. Accessed 29 Jul. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on defend

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