1
as in ammunition
means or method of defending
thorns are a rose's defense against grazing animals
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in excuse
an explanation that frees one from fault or blame
there's absolutely no defense for your actions
Synonyms & Similar Words
Examples 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 defense
Industries involved in defense production are still expanding, but at rates well below their peaks in 2023.
—
Alexandra Prokopenko, Foreign Affairs, 21 Jan. 2025
Automatically, one arm went up in defense, which may have saved his life.
—Al Wolter, Outdoor Life, 10 Jan. 2025
In his first three seasons, Glenn’s defenses have ranked 31st, 28th and 23rd in points allowed.
—Colton Pouncy, The Athletic, 9 Jan. 2025
Once the Panthers upgrade their defense, the offensive line is largely set.
—Mike Kaye, Charlotte Observer, 9 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for defense 
Alexandra Prokopenko, Foreign Affairs, 21 Jan. 2025
Automatically, one arm went up in defense, which may have saved his life.
—Al Wolter, Outdoor Life, 10 Jan. 2025
In his first three seasons, Glenn’s defenses have ranked 31st, 28th and 23rd in points allowed.
—Colton Pouncy, The Athletic, 9 Jan. 2025
Once the Panthers upgrade their defense, the offensive line is largely set.
—Mike Kaye, Charlotte Observer, 9 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for defense
Recent Examples of Synonyms for defense
Noun
-
Hazardous items in the fire zones can include batteries, ammunition, propane tanks, pesticides, and cleaning products that can become unsafe when exposed to heat and fire.—
Alene Tchekmedyian,
Los Angeles Times,
26 Jan. 2025
-
There were also numerous boxes of ammunition, three license plates, and some clothing.—
Emma Steele,
CBS News,
26 Jan. 2025
Noun
-
But the Heat didn’t want to use travel as an excuse for what happened against the Nuggets.—
Anthony Chiang,
Miami Herald,
18 Jan. 2025
-
Most operators are not using it as an excuse to make more money.—
Doug Gollan,
Forbes,
18 Jan. 2025
Noun
-
Trump’s speech reflected his plan to roll back protections for transgender people and terminate diversity, equity and inclusion programs within the federal government.—
Kimberly Nordyke,
The Hollywood Reporter,
21 Jan. 2025
-
Trump is rolling back protections for transgender people and terminating diversity, equity and inclusion programs within the federal government.—
Colleen Long,
Los Angeles Times,
21 Jan. 2025
Noun
-
Johnson did not cite a reason for Turner’s removal, but Turner told CBS News that the speaker cited concerns from Mar-a-Lago as justification.—
Cami Mondeaux,
Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government,
16 Jan. 2025
-
The letter, published on Jan. 14, points out that Walmart has not provided financial or business justifications for this policy change.—
Francisco Velasquez,
Quartz,
16 Jan. 2025
Noun
-
The right leadership can provide a critical safeguard against abuses of these expansive powers.—
John Mac Ghlionn,
Newsweek,
14 Jan. 2025
-
Health and Human Services notably wants to take away provider discretion to decide which safeguards are addressable.—
Tina Reed,
Axios,
13 Jan. 2025
Noun
-
What Nafisi does best, and the reason her work has endured, is precisely to refuse cartoonish portrayals and basic morality plays.—
Arash Azizi,
The Atlantic,
26 Jan. 2025
-
The reason: In many parts of North Carolina, there is only one poultry company that contracts with farmers.—
Ames Alexander,
Charlotte Observer,
26 Jan. 2025
Noun
-
As other officers arrive with a ballistic shield and approach Anderton, one mentions seeing a gun on the ground.—
Robert A. Cronkleton,
Kansas City Star,
15 Jan. 2025
-
Look at Tom’s little jig at gaining a protective shield after that first challenge.—
Roxana Hadadi,
Vulture,
14 Jan. 2025
Noun
-
Sullivan said in our phone interview that unlike previous dramatic technology advancements (atomic weapons, space, the internet), AI development sits outside of government and security clearances, and in the hands of private companies with the power of nation-states.—
Axios,
Axios,
18 Jan. 2025
-
Robert Pasco, 42, faces one felony charge of unlawful use of a weapon and one misdemeanor charge of possessing a firearm without a valid firearm owner’s identification card, according to Chicago police.—
Caroline Kubzansky,
Chicago Tribune,
18 Jan. 2025
Thesaurus Entries Near defense
Cite this Entry
“Defense.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/defense. Accessed 30 Jan. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share