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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Zelensky has expressed fear that Trump pushing a quick resolution would result in Ukraine losing territory and being left vulnerable to future Russian aggression.—
Justin Spike and Illia Novikov,
Los Angeles Times,
23 Feb. 2025 -
By focusing more on consolidating his own power rather than defending the empire, Sidao effectively left the Southern Song vulnerable to external threats, especially from the Mongols, who were expanding rapidly under Kublai Khan.—
Scott Travers,
Forbes,
23 Feb. 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 6 Mar. 2025.
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