PROTECT Synonyms: 42 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'protect' different from other verbs like it?

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

Q: When is 'defend' a more appropriate choice than 'protect'?

The words defend and protect can be used in similar contexts, but defend denotes warding off actual or threatened attack. // defend the country

Q: When is it sensible to use 'guard' instead of 'protect'?

In some situations, the words guard and protect are roughly equivalent. However, guard implies protecting with vigilance and force against expected danger. // White House entrances are well guarded

Q: When can 'safeguard' be used instead of 'protect'?

Although the words safeguard and protect have much in common, safeguard implies taking precautionary protective measures against merely possible danger. // our civil liberties must be safeguarded

Q: When would 'shield' be a good substitute for 'protect'?

While in some cases nearly identical to protect , shield suggests protective intervention in imminent danger or actual attack. // shielded her eyes from the sun with her hand

protect

verb

prə-ˈtekt

Definition of protect next

as in to defend

to drive danger or attack away from the mother bear was just trying to protect her cubs

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

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

When is defend a more appropriate choice than protect?

The words defend and protect can be used in similar contexts, but defend denotes warding off actual or threatened attack.

defend the country

When is it sensible to use guard instead of protect?

In some situations, the words guard and protect are roughly equivalent. However, guard implies protecting with vigilance and force against expected danger.

White House entrances are well guarded

When can safeguard be used instead of protect?

Although the words safeguard and protect have much in common, safeguard implies taking precautionary protective measures against merely possible danger.

our civil liberties must be safeguarded

When would shield be a good substitute for protect?

While in some cases nearly identical to protect, shield suggests protective intervention in imminent danger or actual attack.

shielded her eyes from the sun with her hand

Examples 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 protect The question should be whether a mayor of New York honors his duty to protect taxpayer funds, or looks for opportunities to bend them to his personal and political gain. —

New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 18 Jan. 2025 Despite reforestation efforts in Scandinavia, Dahl says extensive logging has led to the decline of some plant and animal species, and argues that Nordic forestry companies need to adapt their management practices to ensure nature remains protected as demand for wood increases. —

Maddy Savage, TIME, 18 Jan. 2025 In 2025, artificial intelligence will play an increasingly important role in shaping the way that organizations manage and protect their reputation online. —

Joe Burton, Forbes, 6 Jan. 2025 Not mean but protects it really well and takes pucks to the net at this level. —

Scott Wheeler, The Athletic, 6 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for protect

Recent Examples of Synonyms for protect

Verb

The Texans move on without Johnson to prepare for the two-time defending Super Bowl champions in the Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium at 4:30 p.m. on Saturday.

Michael Gfoeller And David H. Rundell, Newsweek, 15 Jan. 2025
The 21-year-old — who joined United’s academy from Brighton & Hove Albion in 2022 — impressed with his ability to cover large amounts of space when defending against Arsenal in their FA Cup tie on Sunday.

Carl Anka, The Athletic, 15 Jan. 2025