SHIELD Synonyms: 77 Similar and Opposite Words

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

Some common synonyms of shield are defend , guard , protect , and safeguard . While all these words mean "to keep secure from danger or against attack," shield suggests protective intervention in imminent danger or actual attack. // shielded her eyes from the sun with her hand

Q: When might 'defend' be a better fit than 'shield'?

Although the words defend and shield have much in common, defend denotes warding off actual or threatened attack. // defend the country

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

The words guard and shield can be used in similar contexts, but guard implies protecting with vigilance and force against expected danger. // White House entrances are well guarded

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

The words protect and shield are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, 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 could 'safeguard' be used to replace 'shield'?

While the synonyms safeguard and shield are close in meaning, safeguard implies taking precautionary protective measures against merely possible danger. // our civil liberties must be safeguarded

shield 1 of 2

noun

ˈshēld

Definition of shield next

as in defense

means or method of defending the slightly built boy used his sharp wit as a shield against the school's bullies

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

shield

2 of 2

verb

as in to protect

to drive danger or attack away from celebrities who are shielded by a cluster of bodyguards whenever they appear in public

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to cover

to place a protective layer over she shielded her eyes from the sun with her hand

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

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

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

shielded her eyes from the sun with her hand

When might defend be a better fit than shield?

Although the words defend and shield have much in common, defend denotes warding off actual or threatened attack.

defend the country

When is it sensible to use guard instead of shield?

The words guard and shield can be used in similar contexts, but guard implies protecting with vigilance and force against expected danger.

White House entrances are well guarded

When would protect be a good substitute for shield?

The words protect and shield are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, 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 could safeguard be used to replace shield?

While the synonyms safeguard and shield are close in meaning, safeguard implies taking precautionary protective measures against merely possible danger.

our civil liberties must be safeguarded

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 shield

Noun

The same applies to shields, another new item type that adds yet another layer of strategy to consider. —

Diego Argüello, Rolling Stone, 6 Dec. 2024 The delay is primarily due to issues arising from the damage to the heat shield of the uncrewed Orion capsule that flew in 2022 on the Artemis I mission. —

Richard Tribou, Orlando Sentinel, 5 Dec. 2024

Verb

Exempting tipped income from taxes could cost between $100 billion and $200 billion over 10 years, while shielding Social Security benefits from taxes would increase deficits by $1.6 trillion to $1.8 trillion over 10 years, according to an analysis by the Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget. —

Alexander Bolton, The Hill, 4 Dec. 2024 The Constitution’s framers would have been appalled at shielding incumbent presidents from criminal prosecution. —

Bruce Fein, Baltimore Sun, 4 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for shield

Recent Examples of Synonyms for shield

Noun

In July, South Korea made a similar announcement, saying that the country is ready to start mass-producing a laser weapon that can shoot down drones at a fraction of the cost of conventional defense platforms.

Joseph Epstein, Newsweek, 11 Dec. 2024
Penny stepped in to protect all the people onboard, several of whom Neely lunged at before Penny placed him in the chokehold, defense attorney Thomas Kenniff said.

Claire Thornton, USA TODAY, 10 Dec. 2024