say in defense

advocate argue assert back champion endorse explain guarantee justify maintain stand by support uphold

aid befriend espouse exculpate exonerate plead rationalize recommend second stonewall sustain vindicate warrant

apologize for back up bear one out come to defense of cover for go to bat for prove a case put in a good word ride shotgun for speak up for stand up for stick up for thump for

oppose protest reject

accuse blame condemn

abandon attack deny forsake relinquish renounce