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
Monster Train 2 looks to be building on the foundations of its predecessor, so players will once again board a train and defend it against incoming monster hordes on several vertical levels at the same time.
—
Dan Perry, Newsweek, 20 Feb. 2025
China’s foreign minister on Thursday defended South Africa’s effort to promote solidarity, equality and sustainability at Group of 20 gatherings this year, even as Secretary of State Marco Rubio boycotted the first high-level meeting in Johannesburg this week because of that focus.
—John Eligon, New York Times, 20 Feb. 2025
There are sound legal and moral arguments for seizing these assets and giving them to Ukraine, both to reconstruct the country and to allow Ukrainians to continue to defend themselves.
—Anne Applebaum, The Atlantic, 20 Feb. 2025
The visiting Catalans regularly strolled through the first line of pressure that night — with Vinicius Jr and Mbappe unconvincing in defending from the front in a 4-4-2 formation before Barca overloaded the midfield with their technical, creative players.
—Thom Harris, The Athletic, 8 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for defend
Dan Perry, Newsweek, 20 Feb. 2025
China’s foreign minister on Thursday defended South Africa’s effort to promote solidarity, equality and sustainability at Group of 20 gatherings this year, even as Secretary of State Marco Rubio boycotted the first high-level meeting in Johannesburg this week because of that focus.
—John Eligon, New York Times, 20 Feb. 2025
There are sound legal and moral arguments for seizing these assets and giving them to Ukraine, both to reconstruct the country and to allow Ukrainians to continue to defend themselves.
—Anne Applebaum, The Atlantic, 20 Feb. 2025
The visiting Catalans regularly strolled through the first line of pressure that night — with Vinicius Jr and Mbappe unconvincing in defending from the front in a 4-4-2 formation before Barca overloaded the midfield with their technical, creative players.
—Thom Harris, The Athletic, 8 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for defend
Recent Examples of Synonyms for defend
Verb
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The concentric layers of photon shields protect the sensitive optical instruments from the heat of the Earth and sun.—
Stephen J. Beard,
USA TODAY,
24 Feb. 2025
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Many fractional leaders work across industries or sign non-compete agreements to avoid working with direct competitors, but companies must establish clear expectations to protect sensitive information.—
Dr. Diane Hamilton,
Forbes,
23 Feb. 2025
Verb
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The message is clear that he is justified in his actions and need not observe the law.—
New York Daily News Editorial Board,
New York Daily News,
18 Feb. 2025
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Realizing the extent of losses from the Palisades and Eaton fires, perhaps the cost of greater water delivery capacity would now be justified.—
Harvey Levine,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
18 Feb. 2025
Verb
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There are strict protections in place to safeguard taxpayer data.—
Kelly Phillips Erb,
Forbes,
22 Feb. 2025
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The bloc’s landmark AI Act, which became enforceable this year, is the first comprehensive set of rules aimed at safeguarding against risks posed AI.—
Ryan Browne,
CNBC,
20 Feb. 2025
Verb
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Though brands like Frame are preparing for a skinny jean comeback, Candiani anticipates wide-leg and baggy jeans to maintain their place as the most in-demand fits.—
Angela Velasquez,
Sourcing Journal,
27 Feb. 2025
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The Gordons have been left deeply screwed up by their deceased father — not just callous and clueless like all the ultra-rich, but unable to maintain healthy relationships with either partners or one another.—
Alison Herman,
Variety,
27 Feb. 2025
Verb
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Even those who survive are now inclined to guard their cash zealously, limiting their purchases of coffee.—
Peter S. Goodman,
New York Times,
22 Feb. 2025
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However, members of the Texas National Guard, who have been federally deputized, could be involved guarding detainees.—
Tom Vanden Brook,
USA TODAY,
21 Feb. 2025
Verb
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These convictions along with a 30-year prison sentenced were upheld in February 2025 by a federal appeals court.—
Kori Rumore,
Chicago Tribune,
22 Feb. 2025
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It was upheld by the courts at the tail end of Trump’s first term.—
Nicole Nixon,
Sacramento Bee,
21 Feb. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Defend.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/defend. Accessed 3 Mar. 2025.
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