guard 1 of 2

1
2
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
Mizzou on Wednesday added Kentucky transfer guard Saniah Tyler to Harper’s first roster at Mizzou. Kevin Utz, Kansas City Star, 9 Apr. 2025 The two men took two prison guards captive in what would become one of the longest prison standoffs in the history of the United States. Fernando Cervantes Jr., USA Today, 9 Apr. 2025
Verb
New York will also be without center Mitchell Robinson and guard Josh Hart for the game. Daniel R. Depetris, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 Apr. 2025 For the second year in a row, Sacramento Kings guard Malik Monk will be sidelined due to injury as his team tries to secure a spot in the NBA playoffs. Jason Anderson, Sacbee.com, 10 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for guard
Recent Examples of Synonyms for guard
Noun
  • Multiple victims were also minors, and at least two were smuggled into the U.S. unaccompanied by a relative or legal guardian, according to the Justice Department.
    Stephen Underwood, Hartford Courant, 12 Apr. 2025
  • Earlier this month, the talk show host expressed her regrets about consenting to the courts appointing her a legal guardian to oversee her affairs in the past.
    DeMicia Inman, VIBE.com, 11 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Confrontation usually puts the other person on the defensive, breaking down communication.
    Melinda Fouts, Ph.D., Forbes, 21 Mar. 2025
  • Elon Musk is on the defensive after Twitter (now known as X) was down for several hours today.
    John Brandon, Forbes, 11 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • Hardware: The Unsung Hero If software is the lock, hardware is the door.
    Camellia Chan, Forbes.com, 9 Apr. 2025
  • Our favorite bike locks for every ride, including new locks designed to thwart angle grinders.
    Scott Gilbertson, Wired News, 9 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • In the guilt-innocence phase, the jury deliberated for about four hours and for about 90 minutes in the punishment phase, according to defense attorney Wiggins.
    Emerson Clarridge, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 15 Apr. 2025
  • And they’re being embedded into everything from CRM platforms to national defense strategies.
    Sandy Carter, Forbes.com, 15 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • In a comprehensive, step-by-step Reddit guide published on r/DHGate, user FabulousNinja8399 shares that this medal signals a seller has achieved the highest grade a store can receive: ACE status.
    Francesca Krempa, StyleCaster, 10 Apr. 2025
  • Crypto Confidential: Forbes' definitive guide to crypto and blockchain, delivered to your inbox every Saturday.
    Andrea Tinianow, Forbes.com, 10 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Yaya’s defenders argue that she, and others recently evicted from Taiwan, are being selectively prosecuted.
    Eryk Michael Smith, FOXNews.com, 10 Apr. 2025
  • The 21-year-old has started in 74 games this season and become a rugged on-ball defender in his first season.
    William Guillory, New York Times, 9 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • The Arkansas Senate on Wednesday night approved a bill that its supporters maintain would protect Arkansans from religious discrimination and its opponents counter targets LGBTQ+ people.
    Josh Snyder, Arkansas Online, 10 Apr. 2025
  • See my tips and best picks on how to protect yourself from identity theft.
    Kurt Knutsson, CyberGuy Report, FOXNews.com, 10 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Not including last year, students blockaded or occupied the university academic building again at least four more times since then, according to the university’s website.
    Matt Lavietes, NBC news, 27 Mar. 2025
  • The Confederate States, blockaded by Union forces, faced severe shortages of critical war materials, including gunpowder.
    Scott Travers, Forbes, 20 Mar. 2025

Cite this Entry

“Guard.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/guard. Accessed 23 Apr. 2025.

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