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.

Counter-drone units were defending against attacks on coalition bases in Iraq, he added, while UK jets were conducting defensive sorties over the United Arab Emirates.

From BBC • Mar. 10, 2026

The Beatles thought they were defending themselves against the taxman.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 20, 2026

"We did great work in attack and in defence... you could tell that we were defending as a team during the whole game," Valverde told Real Madrid TV.

From Barron's • Feb. 14, 2026

Local leaders have disputed the administration’s narrative that agents were defending themselves as Good attempted to run them down, with Mayor Jacob Frey calling the claim a “garbage narrative.”

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 8, 2026

“We just didn’t realize it. During the Titan War last summer, while you were attacking Mount Othrys, we were defending Mount Olympus in Manhattan. I fought Kronos myself.”

From "The Son of Neptune" by Rick Riordan