1
as in guardian
a person or group that watches over someone or something
checked in with the security guard at the gate
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
2
3
4
as in defense
means or method of defending
the boxer's sparring partner managed to get a blow in under his left guard
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
5
as in guide
one that accompanies another for protection, guidance, or as a courtesy
the honor guards raised their sabers as the happy couple descended the church steps
Synonyms & Similar Words
6
as in defender
someone that protects
a battalion of burly guards surrounding the celebrity
Synonyms & Similar Words
1
as in to protect
to drive danger or attack away from
guard the quarterback so he doesn't get sacked
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to blockade
to disallow entry into (a place) by means of a physical barrier at the entry point
a fire-breathing dragon guarded the entrance to the castle
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of guard
Maureen Lee Lenker, EW.com, 5 June 2025
Safe only has like four real bad guys; most of the guys are just guards showing up for work like the Red Shirts in Star Trek.
—James Hibberd, HollywoodReporter, 5 June 2025
Jack Guy, CNN Money, 4 June 2025
Basset hounds and golden retrievers, tongues out, lounging in the grass, guarded by their human companions.
—Air Mail, 31 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for guard
Noun
Fiyero now appears to head the Wizard's guard, charged with hunting down Elphaba.
—Maureen Lee Lenker, EW.com, 5 June 2025
Safe only has like four real bad guys; most of the guys are just guards showing up for work like the Red Shirts in Star Trek.
—James Hibberd, HollywoodReporter, 5 June 2025
Verb
Meghan and husband Prince Harry are known to fiercely guard the privacy of Lilibet and older brother Prince Archie, 6.
—Jack Guy, CNN Money, 4 June 2025
Basset hounds and golden retrievers, tongues out, lounging in the grass, guarded by their human companions.
—Air Mail, 31 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for guard
Recent Examples of Synonyms for guard
Noun
-
Moving beyond the initial cost of raising a child, higher education costs typically come prior to the parent/guardian retiring.—
David Kudla,
Forbes.com,
30 May 2025
-
Police confirmed with county officials that the paternal grandmother was the legal guardian of the girl with sole custody pending the June court appearance.—
Harry Harris,
Mercury News,
27 May 2025
Noun
-
The Irish have landed five commitments this month, all four-star prospects in the 247Sports Composite: defensive ends Rodney Dunham and Ebenezer Ewetade, receiver Bubba Frazier, offensive lineman Gregory Patrick and defensive back Ayden Pouncey.—
Pete Sampson,
New York Times,
28 Apr. 2025
-
That left voting centers practically empty at times and put officials on the defensive.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
26 May 2025
Noun
-
After baking, chilling them in the fridge for an hour locks in moisture and gives them a dense, chewy texture.—
Alana Al-Hatlani,
Southern Living,
6 June 2025
-
For now, Scheffler stands alone as the first lock—but the race to join him is far from over.—
Devlina Sarkar,
MSNBC Newsweek,
6 June 2025
Noun
-
In the face of nature’s power, preparation remains our most effective and enduring defense.—
Jim Foerster,
Forbes.com,
2 June 2025
-
The video is likely to be used by both prosecutors and defense attorneys as evidence in Dugan's criminal case.—
James Hill,
ABC News,
2 June 2025
Noun
-
Our guide pulls out a cowrie shell, a gleaming charm sitting in the middle of her hand.—
Jaha Nailah Avery
June 9,
Literary Hub,
9 June 2025
-
As part of our guides to the sides that will feature in the tournament, James Horncastle gives you the background on River Plate.—
James Horncastle,
New York Times,
8 June 2025
Noun
-
Giuntoli’s departure meant Comolli’s arrival, and the former Liverpool and Tottenham director spoke at length with Tudor and was seemingly won over by what the former defender had to say.—
Emmet Gates,
Forbes.com,
10 June 2025
-
But the senior defender never came off the field during her final game — the Class 3A state championship game, which went to double overtime Saturday night.—
Matt Le Cren,
Chicago Tribune,
8 June 2025
Verb
-
The Marines are tasked with protecting federal facilities and personnel, according to a statement from U.S. Northern Command, and will operate under Task Force 51—a contingency unit created to coordinate military support for domestic emergencies.—
Nik Popli,
Time,
11 June 2025
-
Behind the scenes, the preservation society worked closely with HBO’s production team to protect the historic interiors, creatively adapting elements like the original billiard table to fit filming needs without compromising the estate’s integrity.—
Abby Montanez,
Robb Report,
10 June 2025
Verb
-
If the United States reduces its economic reliance on Taiwanese semiconductors, for instance, Beijing might decide that Washington won’t respond if China blockades or invades the island.—
ALLISON CARNEGIE,
Foreign Affairs,
14 May 2025
-
But its navy controlled enough of the Black Sea to blockade Ukrainian ports, choking the country’s economy and threatening global food security because Ukraine is a major grain exporter.—
Constant Méheut,
New York Times,
7 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Guard.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/guard. Accessed 14 Jun. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share