guard 1 of 2

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as in defensive
a position of readiness to oppose actual or expected attack be on your guard against snakes in the swamp

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

3
as in lock
a protective device (as on a weapon) to prevent accidental operation slid the guard into place over the chainsaw chain

Synonyms & Similar Words

4
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

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guard

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verb

Synonym Chooser

How is the word guard different from other verbs like it?

Some common synonyms of guard are defend, protect, safeguard, and shield. While all these words mean "to keep secure from danger or against attack," guard implies protecting with vigilance and force against expected danger.

White House entrances are well guarded

In what contexts can defend take the place of guard?

The words defend and guard are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, defend denotes warding off actual or threatened attack.

defend the country

When can protect be used instead of guard?

While the synonyms protect and guard are close in meaning, protect implies the use of something (such as a covering) as a bar to the admission or impact of what may attack or injure.

a hard hat to protect your head

Where would safeguard be a reasonable alternative to guard?

In some situations, the words safeguard and guard are roughly equivalent. However, safeguard implies taking precautionary protective measures against merely possible danger.

our civil liberties must be safeguarded

When is shield a more appropriate choice than guard?

The words shield and guard can be used in similar contexts, but shield suggests protective intervention in imminent danger or actual attack.

shielded her eyes from the sun with her hand

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
Noun
The digital dashboard clearly displays your battery percentage, so you’re never caught off guard. Victoria Uwumarogie, Essence, 14 May 2025 While walking the red carpet for the Breast Cancer Research Foundation’s 2025 Hot Pink Party Tuesday (May 13), the actress looked slightly caught off guard when Entertainment Tonight asked about her connection with the country star — but that didn’t stop her from gushing about her new sweetheart. Hannah Dailey, Billboard, 14 May 2025
Verb
Country star Morgan Wallen says he's become more guarded since becoming a dad to son Indigo Wilder. Rachel Flynn, People.com, 16 May 2025 Since its inception roughly 50 years ago, the recipe remains nearly identical and closely guarded. Stephanie Breijo, Los Angeles Times, 15 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for guard
Recent Examples of Synonyms for guard
Noun
  • The district also has 14 area security managers and about 90 armed guardians, positions that didn’t exist prior to Stoneman Douglas.
    Scott Travis, Sun Sentinel, 10 May 2025
  • The hackers are now requesting additional ransoms from individual schools for this data, as one Toronto district outlined in a letter this week to parents and guardians.
    Emily Forlini, PC Magazine, 8 May 2025
Noun
  • But in the process, many in her party were targeted with accusations of not protecting children, and the issue put Democrats on the defensive.
    Kate Wolffe, Sacbee.com, 11 May 2025
  • The administration has put Harvard and other universities on the defensive in many other ways too.
    Philip Hackney, The Conversation, 9 May 2025
Noun
  • Everything on this bottle does double duty: the protective push-to-open lid keeps the spout clean, the convenient carry loop doubles as a lock, and the double-walled insulation keeps drinks cold for up to 24 hours.
    Cheryl Fenton, Parents, 16 May 2025
  • And Michigan is no lock to enter the Week 4 clash with a number beside its name.
    Mitch Sherman, New York Times, 14 May 2025
Noun
  • This comes after the jury pool was narrowed to 45 candidates across three days of intense questioning from the prosecution, defense and Judge Arun Subramanian.
    Edward Segarra, USA Today, 10 May 2025
  • Pino’s defense attorney, Howard Srebnick, said the empty containers stemmed from five boats tied up that day on Elliott Key.
    Grethel Aguila, Miami Herald, 9 May 2025
Noun
  • Our guide features top picks that frequent fliers will truly appreciate.
    Brenda Stolyar, Wired News, 18 May 2025
  • Guests have private vehicles and partner with a tracker/guide team for the duration of their stay.
    Heather Richardson, Travel + Leisure, 18 May 2025
Noun
  • But bear defenders argue that people have encroached into bear habitat — not the other way around.
    Stephen Hudak, The Orlando Sentinel, 18 May 2025
  • Her absence can’t be overstated given the league’s need for willing defenders for transformational talent on opposing contending teams.
    Fiifi Frimpong, New York Daily News, 17 May 2025
Verb
  • The emergency fund is meant to protect you against a job loss, health crisis, car breakdown or major household repair.
    Daniel de Visé, USA Today, 19 May 2025
  • Yes, it should be protected from reopening as another waste processing plant.
    Sarah McCoy, Hartford Courant, 18 May 2025
Verb
  • Israel also has blockaded Gaza for the past six weeks, again barring the entry of food and other goods.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 20 Apr. 2025
  • For six weeks Israel also has blockaded Gaza, barring the entry of food and other goods.
    Samy Magdy, Chicago Tribune, 19 Apr. 2025

Cite this Entry

“Guard.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/guard. Accessed 24 May. 2025.

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