1
as in defense
means or method of defending
frequent hand washing is an oft-recommended ward against the spread of common germs
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in custody
responsibility for the safety and well-being of someone or something
gained the ward of his cousin upon the death of her parents
Synonyms & Similar Words
as in to protect
to drive danger or attack away from
vowed that he would take whatever measures were necessary to ward the nation's people
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of ward
Michael Gordon, Charlotte Observer, 17 Jan. 2025
Ahmed al-Farra, director of the hospital’s pediatric ward, confirmed to NBC News that Seela had died from hypothermia, a medical emergency that occurs when the body’s temperature drops to dangerously low levels.
—Astha Rajvanshi, NBC News, 29 Dec. 2024
Mark R. Weaver, Newsweek, 4 Dec. 2024
Lady Jeyne Arryn has agreed to ward Rhaenyra’s danger-magnet scion in exchange for the protection of a dragon.
—Amanda Whiting, Vulture, 30 June 2024
See all Example Sentences for ward 
Noun
Two days later, with Rippy’s signature, Natalia became a ward of the state.
—Michael Gordon, Charlotte Observer, 17 Jan. 2025
Ahmed al-Farra, director of the hospital’s pediatric ward, confirmed to NBC News that Seela had died from hypothermia, a medical emergency that occurs when the body’s temperature drops to dangerously low levels.
—Astha Rajvanshi, NBC News, 29 Dec. 2024
Verb
Regardless of the reason behind the chilly weather, NWS meteorologists are advising Floridians to take the proper precautions to ward against the cold.
—Mark R. Weaver, Newsweek, 4 Dec. 2024
Lady Jeyne Arryn has agreed to ward Rhaenyra’s danger-magnet scion in exchange for the protection of a dragon.
—Amanda Whiting, Vulture, 30 June 2024
See all Example Sentences for ward
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ward
Noun
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How much would that improve the Bills’ current defense versus having a decent draft?—
Tim Graham,
The Athletic,
14 Feb. 2025
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In realigning defense, development and diplomacy, Rubio and Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth should fully integrate civilian stabilization efforts into the Department of Defense or a special unit of the State Department.—
Sean P. Brooks,
Orlando Sentinel,
14 Feb. 2025
Noun
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Homicide detectives are still seeking witnesses, and no one has been taken into custody in relation to the shooting as of Monday night.—
Ilana Arougheti,
Kansas City Star,
11 Feb. 2025
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The unnamed middle school teacher in Miami-Dade County was taken into custody by ICE at an immigration hearing.—
Justin Gest,
Newsweek,
11 Feb. 2025
Verb
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If weather data was only available at a price, one town might be able to afford the weather information necessary to protect its residents, while a smaller town or a rural area across the state might not.—
Christine Wiedinmyer,
The Conversation,
11 Feb. 2025
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Forbes is protected by reCAPTCHA, and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.—
Karin Eldor,
Forbes,
11 Feb. 2025
Noun
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Deputies obtained a warrant for the Charger and found a purple semi-automatic rifle with a high-capacity drum magazine loaded with 57 rounds of 5.56 mm ammunition, according to the report.—
David Goodhue,
Miami Herald,
4 Feb. 2025
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Among the adjustments made in this patch are buffs for the effects of spray weapons, the ability for Helldivers to sprint while carrying objects two-handedly as well as to use grenades while leaning out of the FRV, and an increase to side arm ammunition.—
Anders Fogh Rasmussen,
Newsweek,
4 Feb. 2025
Noun
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Patients suffering from life-threatening illnesses are being withheld from necessary treatments while those fleeing war are being denied important emergency medical care.—
Letters to the Editor,
Orlando Sentinel,
8 Feb. 2025
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In the association’s 2024 survey of Connecticut businesses, 60% of employers said child care needed to be expanded in order to attract and retain skilled workers to the state.—
John Moritz,
Hartford Courant,
7 Feb. 2025
Verb
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The visiting Catalans regularly strolled through the first line of pressure that night — with Vinicius Jr and Mbappe unconvincing in defending from the front in a 4-4-2 formation before Barca overloaded the midfield with their technical, creative players.—
Thom Harris,
The Athletic,
8 Feb. 2025
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Providence Academy is the defending champion, winning 74-60 over Albany in last year’s final.—
Tom Schardin,
Twin Cities,
7 Feb. 2025
Noun
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Meanwhile, health officials continue to stress that vaccines remain the most effective safeguard against measles and other preventable diseases.—
Yaakov Katz,
Newsweek,
8 Feb. 2025
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The settlement also requires the league to maintain safeguards put into place after a pair of investigations released in late 2022 that found widespread misconduct that affected multiple teams, coaches and players.—
Anne M. Peterson,
Chicago Tribune,
5 Feb. 2025
Verb
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Last week, Trump threatened stiff tariffs on Mexico and Canada, but delayed them for 30 days after both countries promised to send 10,000 troops to guard their U.S. borders.—
Luke Garrett,
NPR,
9 Feb. 2025
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After Trump lost the 2020 election, Hegseth, at that point a member of the D.C. National Guard, volunteered to guard Biden’s inauguration following the attacks on January 6, but according to his most recent book was flagged as a potential extremist and told to stay home.—
Kyle Khan-Mullins,
Forbes,
7 Feb. 2025
Thesaurus Entries Near ward
Cite this Entry
“Ward.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ward. Accessed 20 Feb. 2025.
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