defend

Synonym Chooser

How is the word defend different from other verbs like it?

Some common synonyms of defend are guard, protect, safeguard, and shield. While all these words mean "to keep secure from danger or against attack," defend denotes warding off actual or threatened attack.

defend the country

When is guard a more appropriate choice than defend?

The meanings of guard and defend largely overlap; however, guard implies protecting with vigilance and force against expected danger.

White House entrances are well guarded

When would protect be a good substitute for defend?

The synonyms protect and defend are sometimes interchangeable, but protect implies the use of something (such as a covering) as a bar to the admission or impact of what may attack or injure.

a hard hat to protect your head

When might safeguard be a better fit than defend?

Although the words safeguard and defend have much in common, safeguard implies taking precautionary protective measures against merely possible danger.

our civil liberties must be safeguarded

Where would shield be a reasonable alternative to defend?

The words shield and defend are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, shield suggests protective intervention in imminent danger or actual attack.

shielded her eyes from the sun with her hand

Example 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 defend Additionally, on Thursday, March 27, Burgess defended her and Green’s co-parenting relationship with Fox. Charna Flam, People.com, 28 Mar. 2025 The judge defended his decision, citing the fact that Sullivan has no permanent residence, has been admitted to a hospital since her arrest for mental health reasons, has no prior criminal record and has not failed to appear in court as reasons why house arrest is not necessary. Alaa Elassar, CNN Money, 28 Mar. 2025 In other words, conferences where the top teams successfully defend their status tend to be rewarded more heavily. Giovanni Malloy, Forbes.com, 27 Mar. 2025 Can Max Verstappen defend his title, or will the McLaren team of Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri break through? Mark Davis, Newsweek, 16 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for defend
Recent Examples of Synonyms for defend
Verb
  • The push to help more than half-a-million Cubans, Haitians, Nicaraguans and Venezuelans is part of a broader legal effort to protect nationals from Ukraine, Afghanistan and other countries who are here legally.
    CBS News, CBS News, 10 Apr. 2025
  • See my tips and best picks on how to protect yourself from identity theft.
    Kurt Knutsson, CyberGuy Report, FOXNews.com, 10 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Officials were pressed to justify the action on Sunday morning news shows, where again the confused messaging was apparent.
    Alexandra Hutzler, ABC News, 7 Apr. 2025
  • High-stakes use cases might justify a premium model, while simpler tasks could be served by more affordable options.
    Roman Vorel, Forbes.com, 7 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Having a plan to manage it will help leaders safeguard their organizations when CRQCs arrive.
    Scott Buchholz, Forbes.com, 9 Apr. 2025
  • China will take necessary measures to resolutely safeguard its legitimate and lawful rights and interests.
    Raja Krishnamoorthi, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • The Trump administration’s policies have led to actions such as the withdrawal of federal funding from institutions maintaining DEI programs.
    Jason Wingard, Forbes.com, 5 Apr. 2025
  • In an exclusive interview with PEOPLE, executive producer David Bernad reveals he and show creator Mike White had a backup plan to ensure the show maintains its signature shock factor.
    Liza Esquibias, People.com, 4 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Wells was going for a transition dunk when Charlotte Hornets guard KJ Simpson ran underneath his legs on an attempt to stop the easy bucket.
    Scott Thompson, FOXNews.com, 9 Apr. 2025
  • Where Porziņģis usually spots up, several feet behind the arc, only forces defenders to cover more ground to guard him.
    Jay King, New York Times, 9 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Jena, Louisiana — An immigration judge in Louisiana on Friday allowed the Trump administration to move forward with its effort to deport Columbia University activist Mahmoud Khalil, upholding one of the deportation grounds cited by the government.
    Camilo Montoya-Galvez, CBS News, 11 Apr. 2025
  • In February 2025, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit largely upheld Judge Failla’s decision, affirming the dismissal of the federal claims.
    Andrea Tinianow, Forbes.com, 10 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Defend.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/defend. Accessed 15 Apr. 2025.

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