as in guardian
someone that protects
one of the traditional roles of an older brother is that of schoolyard defender
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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
Rather than zeroing in on great defensive recruits, the UConn men’s basketball staff has shifted to more of an offensive focus, relying on its ability to develop capable defenders.
—
Joe Arruda, Hartford Courant, 14 Mar. 2025
But with opposing teams holding an offside line and often preoccupied by the ball-carrier at the edge of their penalty box, a player making a short burst beyond a static line of defenders is very hard to stop.
—Jordan Campbell, The Athletic, 14 Mar. 2025
Too often, defenders turn their heads to watch the ball, completely losing track of their man.
—Brian Sampson, Forbes.com, 31 Mar. 2025
The second straight clean sheet was also a point of pride for the back line, according to defender Izzy Rodriguez.
—Daniel Sperry, Kansas City Star, 30 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for defender
Joe Arruda, Hartford Courant, 14 Mar. 2025
But with opposing teams holding an offside line and often preoccupied by the ball-carrier at the edge of their penalty box, a player making a short burst beyond a static line of defenders is very hard to stop.
—Jordan Campbell, The Athletic, 14 Mar. 2025
Too often, defenders turn their heads to watch the ball, completely losing track of their man.
—Brian Sampson, Forbes.com, 31 Mar. 2025
The second straight clean sheet was also a point of pride for the back line, according to defender Izzy Rodriguez.
—Daniel Sperry, Kansas City Star, 30 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for defender
Recent Examples of Synonyms for defender
Noun
-
Multiple victims were also minors, and at least two were smuggled into the U.S. unaccompanied by a relative or legal guardian, according to the Justice Department.—
Stephen Underwood,
Hartford Courant,
12 Apr. 2025
-
Minerva, the Roman goddess of wisdom, also stands on the rooftop’s edge, surveying the city like a watchful guardian.—
AFAR Media,
AFAR Media,
11 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
In recent months, budget adjustments have been made to correctly calculate the salaries of classified employees, who are the district’s support staff such as custodians, cafeteria workers and librarians, Long said.—
Julie Gallant,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
18 Mar. 2025
-
The demonstration came to a head in late April as protesters took Hamilton Hall, damaging property and trapping custodians inside.—
Cayla Bamberger,
New York Daily News,
13 Mar. 2025
Noun
-
You’re still seen as this boom-bap protector figure.—
Craig Jenkins,
Vulture,
1 Apr. 2025
-
At a minimum, the 202-pounder with 4.43 speed could become a devastating passing-down back — he’s considered the best pass protector among running backs — and a read-option monster with Daniels.—
Ben Standig,
The Athletic,
25 Mar. 2025
Noun
-
As a whole, the three decisions appear to form a growing patchwork of district-level protections to limit the use of the Alien Enemies Act in lieu of a nationwide order.—
Kevin Shalvey,
ABC News,
14 Apr. 2025
-
The Trump administration can't immediately revoke the deportation protections and work permits of hundreds of thousands of migrants from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua and Venezuela who entered the U.S. legally under a Biden-era program, a federal judge ruled Monday.—
Camilo Montoya-Galvez,
CBS News,
14 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
Rick then killed two of Jim's bodyguards in a shootout.—
Bryan Alexander,
USA Today,
7 Apr. 2025
-
Prince William and Prince Harry are mourning the death of a bodyguard to Princess Diana who escorted her coffin.—
John W. Dean,
MSNBC Newsweek,
7 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Defender.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/defender. Accessed 21 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share