Thesaurus.com
Dictionary.com
Showing results for defense. Search instead for defensem.
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.

They targeted Russia’s Black Sea Fleet, destroying or damaging one-fifth of its ships, according to the British defense ministry, and forcing Russia to pull back its fleet.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 7, 2026

It’s a historic increase, not seen since the Korean War, when annual defense spending jumped from about $14 billion in 1950 to about $33 billion in 1951 and almost $48 billion in 1952.

From Barron's • Apr. 6, 2026

Through her defense attorneys, Hatley—who changed her name to Janie Perkins after she got married in 1995—said she is innocent of the allegations.

From Slate • Apr. 6, 2026

Find insight on modernization spending in the Trump administration’s defense budget, hard disk drive demand and more in the latest Market Talks covering Technology, Media and Telecom.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 6, 2026

“It’s a disgrace,” charged the deputy minister of defense, shattering his glasses on the table.

From "Fallout: Spies, Superbombs, and the Ultimate Cold War Showdown" by Steve Sheinkin

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