1
as in guardian
a person or group that watches over someone or something
checked in with the security guard at the gate
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
2
3
4
as in defense
means or method of defending
the boxer's sparring partner managed to get a blow in under his left guard
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
6
as in defender
someone that protects
a battalion of burly guards surrounding the celebrity
Synonyms & Similar Words
1
as in to protect
to drive danger or attack away from
guard the quarterback so he doesn't get sacked
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to blockade
to disallow entry into (a place) by means of a physical barrier at the entry point
a fire-breathing dragon guarded the entrance to the castle
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
Susan Tallman,
The Atlantic,
13 June 2026
Indeed, three body guards surrounded Swift throughout the night, leaving for a different post nearby only when her fiancé Travis Kelce arrived just as the ceremony began a little after 8 p.m.
—
P. Claire Dodson,
Vogue,
12 June 2026
CBS News,
24 June 2026
The Hawks need a rim-protecting big man who also can guard the perimeter and shoot 3’s.
—
Michael Cunningham,
AJC.com,
23 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for guard
Noun
On his own, Church embarked on a dicey journey under Bedouin guard to Petra by horse and camel.
—
Susan Tallman,
The Atlantic,
13 June 2026
Indeed, three body guards surrounded Swift throughout the night, leaving for a different post nearby only when her fiancé Travis Kelce arrived just as the ceremony began a little after 8 p.m.
—
P. Claire Dodson,
Vogue,
12 June 2026
Verb
Or, there's New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson, who earlier this month led the franchise to its first world championship since 1973.
—
CBS News,
24 June 2026
The Hawks need a rim-protecting big man who also can guard the perimeter and shoot 3’s.
—
Michael Cunningham,
AJC.com,
23 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for guard
Recent Examples of Synonyms for guard
Noun
-
Katherine was later reinstated as a co-guardian.
-
Instead, the decision is left to parents and guardians.
Noun
-
The growing rift has brought much of the Senate’s business to a halt and put Republicans who are up for reelection this year on the defensive.
-
Workplace safety has long been viewed as a defensive, or sometimes reactive, cost — a line item optimized to satisfy regulators, hold down insurance premiums and contain damage.
Noun
-
The winners are those organizations that obsess over customer value, empower employees, and resist financial gravity through strong mission lock and ethical governance.
-
Her golden locks were styled into a dramatic interplay of braids and twists, pinned low on one side to make room for her fascinator.
Noun
-
King’s attorney, Bill Mason, began his presentation by referencing Bosworth’s mentioning a defendant can’t be judged for not testifying in their own defense.
-
While Thomas has had offensive struggles, his defense has never been a question.
Noun
-
Technical writers This job involves translating complex technical information into straightforward, readable guides for users.
-
With the brilliant wit and warmth of Astrid Lindgren’s voice as our guide, our aim is to ensure Pippi remains a joyful, empowering icon for today’s children.
Noun
-
In Wiggins, the Hawks add another solid defender on the wing.
-
These are the words of Norway defender Leo Østigård who recently became a dad for the first time this week.
Verb
-
In the final months of pregnancy, the testicles descend through a passage called the inguinal canal to land in the scrotum, the pouch that protects them for the rest of a man’s life.
-
This shampoo and conditioner are designed to strengthen and protect hair health while reducing frizz and split ends.
Verb
-
The Strait of Hormuz, a vital shipping route for the region's oil and gas, was effectively blockaded since the outbreak of war between the United States and Iran in late February.
-
Meanwhile, Lord Corlys Velaryon and his fleet have the city blockaded, while Team Black commands from Dragonstone and Daemon battles in the Riverlands and Aemond broods on the throne, which he’s taken from his maimed brother.
Cite this Entry
“Guard.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/guard. Accessed 26 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
