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Definitions

defense

[dih-fens, dee-fens] / dɪˈfɛns, ˈdi fɛns /
NOUN
armament; protection system
Synonyms
STRONG
aegis armor arms barricade bastille bastion bulwark buttress citadel cover deterrence dike embankment fastness fence fort fortification fortress garrison guard hard shell immunity munitions palisade parapet position protection rampart redoubt resistance safeguard security shelter shield stockade stronghold trench wall ward warfare weaponry weapons
Antonyms
STRONG
harm hurt injury
WEAK
betrayal capitulation desertion flight surrender yielding
NOUN
explanation, justification
Synonyms
STRONG
answer apologetics apologia apology argument cleanup cop-out exculpation excuse exoneration extenuation jive plea rationalization rejoinder reply response retort return story vindication whitewash
WEAK
apologizing excusing explaining fish story off-time song and dance
Antonyms
STRONG
charge indictment question request
WEAK
betrayal capitulation desertion flight surrender yielding

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Ma Xingrui, a former top official in Xinjiang, is the latest aerospace-sector veteran targeted in probes rocking China’s defense industry.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 3, 2026

William Kanellis said a former assistant U.S. attorney was supposed to have turned over the discovery to the defense.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 3, 2026

When it comes to bonds, Moran is busy playing defense.

From Barron's • Apr. 3, 2026

With profits growing and cash on hand, he said, the company can be “on offense when others are playing defense and really capture market share.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 3, 2026

The saboteurs' lawyer knew their best defense was to have the case transferred to a civil court.

From Nazi Saboteurs by Samantha Seiple

From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.