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

Why hasn’t the defense sector fared better amid the intense military conflict?

From MarketWatch • Apr. 3, 2026

Ma is also the latest in a series of senior officials with an aerospace background to be targeted in probes that have rocked China’s defense industry over the past two years.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 3, 2026

But he and another prosecutor argued the reports were similar to what had already been turned over 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

That made three votes in defense of the school, and everyone looked hopeful.

From "The Interrupted Tale" by Maryrose Wood

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