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defending

ADJECTIVE

defensive

Synonyms

STRONGEST

opposing

STRONG

averting conservative foiling forestalling preservative preventive thwarting

WEAK

arresting balking checking coping with frustrating guarding in opposition interrupting protecting resistive safeguarding uptight warding off withstanding

Antonyms

WEAK

undefensive unprotective unwary unwatchful

ADJECTIVE

on guard

Synonyms

WEAK

alert averting cautious checking expectant guarding preservative preventive protecting safeguarding vigilant warding off watchful withstanding

ADJECTIVE

opposed

Synonyms

STRONGEST

anti antithetical averse disputed hostile inimical opposing

STRONG

battling clashing combating conflicting confronting controverting counter crossing denying disagreeing disputing exposing facing gainsaying objecting protesting repelling rival warring

WEAK

against allergic antipathetic antonymous at cross-purposes at odds contrary defensive dissentient enemy in opposition incompatible irreconcilable obstructive opposite restrictive up against

Antonyms

STRONGEST

friendly kind

WEAK

in favor of

ADJECTIVE

opposed/opposing

Synonyms

WEAK

against the grain allergic anti antipathetic antithetical antonymous at cross-purposes at odds averse battling clashing combating conflicting confronting contrary controverting counter crossing defensive denying disagreeing disputed disputing dissentient enemy exposing facing gainsaying hostile in opposition incompatible inimical irreconcilable objecting obstructive opposite protesting repelling restrictive rival up against warring

Antonyms

WEAK

aiding assisting compatible helping similar

ADJECTIVE

oppositional

Synonyms

WEAK

adversarial adverse against the grain allergic antagonistic anti antipathetic antithetical antonymous at cross-purposes at odds averse battling clashing combating conflicting confronting contrary controverting counter crossing defensive denying disagreeing disputed disputing dissentient enemy exposing facing gainsaying hostile in opposition incompatible inimical irreconcilable objecting obstructive opposed opposite protesting repelling restrictive rival up against warring

ADJECTIVE

preclusive

Synonyms

WEAK

defensive deterrent precautionary preventative protective

NOUN

insulation

Synonyms

STRONGEST

covering cushioning lining padding

STRONG

caulking furring packing taping

WEAK

cording isolating neutralizing protecting surrounding

NOUN

patrol

Synonyms

STRONGEST

garrison vigilance

STRONG

convoying escorting lookout policing protecting protection rounds safeguarding scouting sentinel spy watch watching

WEAK

patroler watchperson

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.

Hearts are unbeaten against Celtic in three meetings this term, but the revived defending champions have now won six consecutive league matches under Martin O'Neill as they seek a 14th title in 15 years.

From BBC • May 15, 2026

But he conceded: "The most difficult challenge is defending against ballistic missiles."

From Barron's • May 15, 2026

Entering Friday’s Game 5, the Spurs are one win away from an irresistible showdown with defending champ Oklahoma City.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 14, 2026

The ladies of “The View” finally decided that a free press is worth defending.

From Salon • May 13, 2026

“Thank you for defending me, Bongo,” I said.

From "Wishtree" by Katherine Applegate

defending

Example Sentences

Related Words