as in vulnerable
lacking protection from danger or resistance against attack
the lack of warm clothing left the hikers defenseless against the unexpected cold snap
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Recent Examples of Synonyms for defenseless
Adjective
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Pegged as one of the most vulnerable incumbents in a quintessential swing state last year, Deluzio defied a red wave that swept out fellow House Democrats and outran Kamala Harris across his district.—
Charlotte Alter,
TIME,
7 Mar. 2025 -
Every Friday, our resident witch Roya Backlund will answer your most vulnerable conundrums through the lens of astrology, Tarot, and spirituality.—
Roya Backlund,
StyleCaster,
7 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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In Texarkana, the year before, men and boys amused themselves by cutting off strips of flesh and thrusting knives into their helpless victim.—
Liz Tracey,
JSTOR Daily,
21 Feb. 2025
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Amick stars alongside James Spader as a beguiling beauty whom Spader is helpless before.—
Jordan Crucchiola,
Vulture,
13 Feb. 2025
Adjective
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Pros: Flower buds are not susceptible to winter damage.—
Kim Toscano,
Southern Living,
28 Feb. 2025
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That killed even more prairie dogs and ferrets, both of which are highly susceptible to the disease.—
Benji Jones,
Vox,
26 Feb. 2025
Adjective
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Mars Hydro, a Chinese company that makes Internet of Things (IoT) devices like LED lights and hydroponics equipment, left a massive database unprotected online.—
Kurt Knutsson, CyberGuy Report,
Fox News,
19 Feb. 2025
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If the Heat misses the playoffs this season, Charlotte would get Miami’s unprotected first-round pick in 2028 from the Terry Rozier trade and OKC would get Miami’s unprotected first-round pick in 2026 from the Butler trade with Philadelphia in 2019.—
Barry Jackson,
Miami Herald,
18 Feb. 2025
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Cite this Entry
“Defenseless.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/defenseless. Accessed 13 Mar. 2025.
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