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Showing results for defense. Search instead for defensema.
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.

Its hypersonic plane, designed for defense and national security missions, is farther off and dubbed the Darkhorse.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 7, 2026

Spending relative to GDP reflects the societal sacrifices to strengthen defense, and last year Poland, Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, Denmark and Norway spent a larger share than the U.S.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 7, 2026

Aerospace startup Hermeus is moving its headquarters to El Segundo from Atlanta as it aims to build autonomous hypersonic aircraft for the military, the latest sign of revival in the region’s aerospace and defense sectors.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 7, 2026

Members also agreed on new capability targets, including a fivefold increase in air and missile defense and more weapons, including tanks, warships, long-range missiles, artillery and drones.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 7, 2026

This clever tactic brought many to Leah and Maggie’s defense.

From "American Spirits" by Barb Rosenstock