as in guardian
someone that protects
one of the traditional roles of an older brother is that of schoolyard defender
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of defender
Off of Godfrey's corner kick, defender Kennedy Wesley smashed a header through the hands of goalkeeper Abby Smith for the equalizer in the 57th minute.
—
ABC News, 26 Apr. 2026
Scouting report: On paper, the Patriots’ need at cornerback isn’t as high as other positions like wide receiver, tight end, offensive tackle and edge defender.
—Doug Kyed, Boston Herald, 15 Apr. 2026
Player of the Week Sophomore defender Vanessa Munoz scores a goal, dishes out two assists and leads the back line to a shutout in T.F.
—Steve Millar, Chicago Tribune, 15 Apr. 2026
Alexander-Walker is one of the premier defenders in the league and is a key reason why Atlanta was one of the hottest teams in the NBA down the stretch.
—Andrew Greif, NBC news, 15 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for defender
ABC News, 26 Apr. 2026
Scouting report: On paper, the Patriots’ need at cornerback isn’t as high as other positions like wide receiver, tight end, offensive tackle and edge defender.
—Doug Kyed, Boston Herald, 15 Apr. 2026
Player of the Week Sophomore defender Vanessa Munoz scores a goal, dishes out two assists and leads the back line to a shutout in T.F.
—Steve Millar, Chicago Tribune, 15 Apr. 2026
Alexander-Walker is one of the premier defenders in the league and is a key reason why Atlanta was one of the hottest teams in the NBA down the stretch.
—Andrew Greif, NBC news, 15 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for defender
Recent Examples of Synonyms for defender
Noun
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Time spent in hair, makeup and wardrobe count as work, and a parent or guardian must stay close to the child on set.—
Sacbee.com,
Sacbee.com,
29 Apr. 2026
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The law also expands background checks for adults living with guardians and would create an independent advocate position in the Attorney General's Office to handle complaints and review child welfare practices.—
JT Moodee Lockman,
CBS News,
28 Apr. 2026
Noun
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The midcentury abode was transferred to custodians of the McCann Trust that holds the property in 2022 and, after hitting the market April 10 for nearly $3 million, a contingent offer for its sale has already been accepted.—
Wendy Bowman,
Robb Report,
30 Apr. 2026
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Animal care specialists, groundskeepers, patrol officers, seasonals, aides, and custodians represented by Teamsters Local 727 are seeking pay increases and minimum staffing guarantees from the Chicago Zoological Society, which operates the zoo.—
Todd Feurer,
CBS News,
29 Apr. 2026
Noun
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If your recliner is old and worn, that age will clearly show with a protector.—
BestReviews,
Chicago Tribune,
29 Apr. 2026
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Denver lost its two best rim protectors, who also supplied the bulk of its offensive baseline production via cuts for dunks and lobs and corner 3-point shooting.—
Jace Frederick,
Twin Cities,
29 Apr. 2026
Noun
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At the same time, in the United States and around the world, women’s rights and protections are being systematically stripped away.—
Michael Schneider,
Variety,
27 Apr. 2026
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By combining cutting-edge protection, mobility, and digital integration, these vehicles are set to play a crucial role in enhancing military effectiveness and safeguarding personnel.—
Prabhat Ranjan Mishra,
Interesting Engineering,
27 Apr. 2026
Noun
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At five o’clock Michael returns from a day of rehearsal, flanked by a personal bodyguard and his CBS Records chaperone and appointment-maker, Steve Manning.—
Andy Greene,
Rolling Stone,
23 Apr. 2026
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Titled Close Protection, the romantic thriller, co-created by Georgaris and Fox and to be written by Georgaris, is about an American bodyguard protecting a British princess.—
Nellie Andreeva,
Deadline,
23 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Defender.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/defender. Accessed 2 May. 2026.
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