guard 1 of 2

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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
The Dolphins could earn a 2026 compensatory draft pick in the third- or fourth-round range the same way the departures of guard Rob Hunt and defensive tackle Christian Wilkins are expected to land the Dolphins a pair of fourth-round picks, or possibly even a third- and fourth-round pick. Chris Perkins, Sun Sentinel, 4 Mar. 2025 And to add insult to injury, Mavs backup guard Jaden Hardy suffered a right ankle sprain in the third quarter and left Monday night's game. Anna Lazarus Caplan, People.com, 4 Mar. 2025
Verb
Especially today, as organizations battle unprecedented levels of burnout, leaders are guarding their teams’ time and skills. Ogie Sheehy, Forbes, 5 Mar. 2025 Others in the Kremlin have been guarded, if positive. Keir Simmons, NBC News, 4 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for guard
Recent Examples of Synonyms for guard
Noun
  • If the material is not removed or relocated to an adults-only section within 60 days, the parent or guardian can sue the library.
    Rose Evans, Idaho Statesman, 26 Feb. 2025
  • The fee for the event is $6 per person and is limited to a total of 25 children, who must be accompanied by a parent or adult guardian.
    Julie Gallant, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • The copy invokes family, belonging, and tradition, with an emphasis that verges on the defensive.
    Rachel Monroe, The New Yorker, 22 Feb. 2025
  • His performance likely piqued the interest of contending teams who need a reliable defensive forward at the trade deadline.
    Matthew Fairburn, The Athletic, 22 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • Brown styled her golden locks in a bun with bangs for the Los Angeles premiere of her new Netflix film The Electric State on Feb. 24 alongside her husband Jake Bongiovi.
    Latoya Gayle, People.com, 4 Mar. 2025
  • That total compares favorably to the former Pac-12, which would be sending only three teams to March Madness: Arizona, UCLA and Oregon are locks; nobody else is close to the bubble.
    Jon Wilner, The Mercury News, 3 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • Starmer presented Trump with a significant gift ahead of his trip, announcing on Tuesday that Britain would hike its defense spending to 2.5% by 2027, and to 3% by the middle of the next decade.
    Rob Picheta, CNN, 26 Feb. 2025
  • The Lakers’ defense has somehow been better since Davis went down (and then was traded).
    Jovan Buha, The Athletic, 26 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • No civil or criminal charges were brought against Masrani individually and, if history is any guide, none will be filed.
    Steve Weisman, Forbes, 7 Mar. 2025
  • Also check out our guides to the Best Cold-Brew Devices and Best French Press, and stock up on beans with the Best Coffee Subscriptions.
    Matthew Korfhage, WIRED, 7 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • Dodson is a strong pass defender but so-so against the run.
    Chris Perkins, Sun Sentinel, 7 Mar. 2025
  • Don't sleep on the Chargers in this race for the star defender.
    Tommy Tuberville, Newsweek, 6 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Iran’s nuclear facilities are now exposed to attack, after Israel destroyed almost all of the air defenses protecting them in October.
    David E. Sanger, New York Times, 8 Mar. 2025
  • Forbes is protected by reCAPTCHA, and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
    Chris Malone Mendez, Forbes, 8 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • If China blockades or invades Taiwan, the short-term economic disruptions to the United States and its allies would be large enough to rival the losses caused by a broad decoupling.
    Stephen G. Brooks, Foreign Affairs, 20 Feb. 2025
  • Some protesters have been blockading key roads in major cities, as well as occupying dozens of university facilities.
    ByNenad Jarić Daunhauer, science.org, 12 Feb. 2025

Cite this Entry

“Guard.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/guard. Accessed 12 Mar. 2025.

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