1
as in to protect
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 to justify
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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of defend
Right now, federal union members are defending the American people from Elon Musk’s reckless and unconstitutional dismantling of the federal government.
—
Erik Pedersen, Deadline, 28 Mar. 2025
Additionally, on Thursday, March 27, Burgess defended her and Green’s co-parenting relationship with Fox.
—Charna Flam, People.com, 28 Mar. 2025
The judge defended his decision, citing the fact that Sullivan has no permanent residence, has been admitted to a hospital since her arrest for mental health reasons, has no prior criminal record and has not failed to appear in court as reasons why house arrest is not necessary.
—Alaa Elassar, CNN Money, 28 Mar. 2025
In other words, conferences where the top teams successfully defend their status tend to be rewarded more heavily.
—Giovanni Malloy, Forbes.com, 27 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for defend
Erik Pedersen, Deadline, 28 Mar. 2025
Additionally, on Thursday, March 27, Burgess defended her and Green’s co-parenting relationship with Fox.
—Charna Flam, People.com, 28 Mar. 2025
The judge defended his decision, citing the fact that Sullivan has no permanent residence, has been admitted to a hospital since her arrest for mental health reasons, has no prior criminal record and has not failed to appear in court as reasons why house arrest is not necessary.
—Alaa Elassar, CNN Money, 28 Mar. 2025
In other words, conferences where the top teams successfully defend their status tend to be rewarded more heavily.
—Giovanni Malloy, Forbes.com, 27 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for defend
Recent Examples of Synonyms for defend
Verb
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The push to help more than half-a-million Cubans, Haitians, Nicaraguans and Venezuelans is part of a broader legal effort to protect nationals from Ukraine, Afghanistan and other countries who are here legally.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
10 Apr. 2025
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See my tips and best picks on how to protect yourself from identity theft.—
Kurt Knutsson, CyberGuy Report,
FOXNews.com,
10 Apr. 2025
Verb
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On Monday, seven of the Constitutional Court's eight judges overturned or dismissed Han's impeachment, arguing that accusations against him either did not constitute legal violations or were not severe enough to justify removing him from office.—
Kevin Sabet,
Newsweek,
24 Mar. 2025
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Reminds [me] also of the aggressors' narratives for justifying many other military interventions, occupations, and annexations in world history.—
Kevin Sabet,
Newsweek,
24 Mar. 2025
Verb
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China will take necessary measures to resolutely safeguard its legitimate and lawful rights and interests.—
Raja Krishnamoorthi,
MSNBC Newsweek,
9 Apr. 2025
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Having a plan to manage it will help leaders safeguard their organizations when CRQCs arrive.—
Scott Buchholz,
Forbes.com,
9 Apr. 2025
Verb
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This substantial commitment reflects the scale of investment required to maintain competitive positioning in the rapidly evolving AI infrastructure market.—
Maribel Lopez,
Forbes.com,
15 Apr. 2025
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Rolex’s Oyster Perpetual maintained its icon status through restraint and excellence with sublime new dial colors.—
Lily Templeton,
Footwear News,
14 Apr. 2025
Verb
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The 23-year-old has guarded big men aplenty all season.—
Fred Katz,
New York Times,
11 Apr. 2025
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Another would be Jets guard Alijah Vera-Tucker.—
Scott Dochterman,
New York Times,
11 Apr. 2025
Verb
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Jena, Louisiana — An immigration judge in Louisiana on Friday allowed the Trump administration to move forward with its effort to deport Columbia University activist Mahmoud Khalil, upholding one of the deportation grounds cited by the government.—
Camilo Montoya-Galvez,
CBS News,
11 Apr. 2025
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In February 2025, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit largely upheld Judge Failla’s decision, affirming the dismissal of the federal claims.—
Andrea Tinianow,
Forbes.com,
10 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Defend.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/defend. Accessed 21 Apr. 2025.
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