defend Synonym

protector, guardian, champion, advocate, supporter, backer, upholder, preserver, safeguard, custodian, sentinel, watchman, bodyguard, paladin, patron, shield, warder, guardian angel, protectorate, security, defender-in-chief, bulwark, bastion, stronghold, fortification, rampart, aegis, defenseman, keeper, goalie, goalkeeper, netminder, sweeper, fullback, backstop, rearguard, sentry, watchkeeper, watchguard, warden, overseer, steward, conservator, trustee, caretaker, minder, proponent, adherent, stalwart [x]

observer, bystander, onlooker, spectator, eyewitness, viewer, beholder, watcher, testifier, deponent, attester, perceiver, looker-on, witnesser, seer [x]

specify, state, set forth, prescribe, demand, require, condition, designate, detail, outline, spell out, enumerate, insist, mandate, impose, dictate, ordain, decree, establish, provide, agree upon, contract, covenant, bargain, agree, settle, arrange, negotiate, determine, fix, agree to [x]

appeal, request, petition, entreaty, supplication, solicitation,oration, prayer, suit, cry, call, demand, application, begging, beseeching, urging, importuning, adjuration, invocation, solicitation [x]

reason, rationale, explanation, excuse, defense, argument, grounds, basis, validation, warrant, vindication, pretext, alibi plea, cause, account, motive, reasoning support, foundation, substantiation,, proof, evidence backing, endorsement, sanction authorization, legitimation, exoneration, absolution, exculpation, acquittal, amnesty, pardon, clearance, extenuation, mitigation, apology, clarification, elucidation, exposition, interpretation, explication, expounding, illumination, demonstration, illustration [x]

order, edict, mandate, proclamation, command, directive, ruling, regulation, ordinance, fiat, injunction, law, statute, dictum, ukase, precept, enactment, rescript, promulgation [x]

rules, guidelines, directives, standards, laws, ordinances, statutes, codes, decrees, mandates, policies, protocols, procedures, requirements, restrictions, controls, frameworks, bylaws, provisions, edicts, norms, conventions, stipulations, orders, commands, instructions, prescriptions, tenets, principles, criteria, measures, doctrines, regimens, formulas [x]

laws, regulations, rules, ordinances, acts, decrees, edicts, enactments, legislation, codes, bylaws, mandates, directives, provisions, measures, guidelines, policies, standards, norms, principles, precepts, requirements, stipulations, articles, clauses, sections, paragraphs, terms, conditions, rules of law, legal provisions, legal requirements, legal standards, legal norms, legal principles, legal precepts, legal stipulations, legal articles, legal clauses, legal sections, legal paragraphs, legal terms, legal conditions [x]

examples, instances, models, patterns, prototypes, standards, archetypes, benchmarks, exemplars, paradigms, antecedents, forerunners, precursors, templates, blueprints, guidelines, norms, touchstones, yardsticks, illustrations, case studies, exemplifications [x]

doubtful, suspicious, questionable, uncertain, dubious, fishy, untrustworthy, shady, skeptical, wary, mistrustful, apprehensive, leery, unsure, hesitant, cautious, guarded, incredulous, disbelieving, unconvinced, problematic, unreliable, iffy, dodgy, unproven, unverified, unconfirmed, unsubstantiated, suspecting, distrustful [x]

law enforcement, patrolling, surveillance, monitoring, oversight, regulation, supervision, control, security, guarding, watch, inspection, enforcement, administration, governance, management, custodianship, protection, safeguarding, vigilance, scrutiny, watchfulness [x]

belief, certainty, confidence, assurance, faith, persuasion, sureness, certitude, dogma, principle, tenet, creed, opinion, view, sentiment, stance, position, attitude, judgment, conclusion, resolution, determination, decisiveness, firmness, steadfastness, resolve, trust, reliance, dependence, credence, acceptance, adherence, allegiance, loyalty, devotion, commitment, dedication, fervor, passion, zeal, enthusiasm, ardor, earnestness, sincerity, seriousness, gravity, solemnity [x]

referee, arbiter, adjudicator, magistrate, justice, jurist, umpire, evaluator, assessor, arbitrator, authority, official, moderator, examiner, inspector, appraiser, critic, reviewer, overseer, controller, decision-maker, fact-finder, lawgiver, chancellor, bench, court, tribunal [x]

revoke, rescind, annul, cancel, retract, withdraw,, nullify, void,, abrogate, reverse, overrule, quash, vacate, abolish, disallow, negate, undo, terminate, supersede, override, repudiate, disaffirm, recall, counterorder [x]

nullify, void, annul, negate, cancel, disprove, refute, discredit, abolish, quash, rescind, revoke, abrogate, counteract, neutralize, overrule, null, invalidate [x]