as in wary
having or showing a close attentiveness to avoiding danger or trouble
a guarded man who knew better than to reveal such delicate information guarded actions
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in protected
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 blockaded
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 guarded
Chris Jones,
Chicago Tribune,
24 July 2023
After his relationship with Jan (Amy Ryan) ended dramatically, Charles (Steve Martin) is even more guarded with his heart in season two.
—
Emma Fraser and Sophie Brookover,
Town & Country,
21 Dec. 2022
Manon Bischoff,
Scientific American,
13 June 2026
Primarily guarded by the Spurs' Victor Wembanyama, Towns has just 2 points and three fouls.
—
Mark Prussin,
CBS News,
13 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for guarded
Adjective
Hirst is a guarded and successful writer, Spooner a poet or a fraud or both.
—
Chris Jones,
Chicago Tribune,
24 July 2023
After his relationship with Jan (Amy Ryan) ended dramatically, Charles (Steve Martin) is even more guarded with his heart in season two.
—
Emma Fraser and Sophie Brookover,
Town & Country,
21 Dec. 2022
Verb
By placing a guard at each point corresponding to one specific color, such as blue, the entire area can be guarded.
—
Manon Bischoff,
Scientific American,
13 June 2026
Primarily guarded by the Spurs' Victor Wembanyama, Towns has just 2 points and three fouls.
—
Mark Prussin,
CBS News,
13 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for guarded
Recent Examples of Synonyms for guarded
Adjective
-
Meanwhile, Ana Hernandez, a Pico Gardens resident, is wary of stakeholders behind the BID proposal.
-
Travelers, beware jet skis in the Bahamas Travelers are being warned to be wary of jet ski excursions in the Bahamas, a popular cruise and vacation destination for Americans.
Verb
-
Historically, these barriers protected incumbents; technology replacement typically occurred only when a next-generation platform emerged, or when customers concluded that they were strategically committed to the wrong technology.
-
At the University of Connecticut, undocumented student advocacy includes a campus chapter of Connecticut Students for a Dream, as well as an undocumented advisory board whose online portal is password protected to safeguard student privacy.
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.
Adjective
-
Berkeley adopted a more cautious approach.
-
The data also points to a more cautious approach to automation than much of the AI industry’s messaging might suggest.
Verb
-
The Netherlands dominated possession while Japan sat back and defended.
-
The president of the European Council, comprised of member states’ governments, defended his decision to open diplomatic communications with the Kremlin after the leaders of France and Germany criticized the decision.
Verb
-
The entrance to the Marriott in Tijuana is barricaded, flanked by police and members of the Mexican National Guard, guns held close.
-
On Tuesday night, Sanchez-Munoz allegedly barricaded himself inside a house in Independence, Missouri, east of Kansas City, and engaged in a standoff with police, authorities said.
Adjective
-
China walked a careful diplomatic line during the conflict.
-
All that plus nightly turndown service and 24-hour room service reflect the careful attention paid to guests at Moon Palace The Grand—Cancun.
Verb
-
More than 10,000 members of the NYPD safeguarded the route.
-
Each generation inherits the task of shaping its own era, of guiding history to become a place where the dignity of every person is safeguarded, justice is promoted and fraternity is made possible.
Cite this Entry
“Guarded.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/guarded. Accessed 27 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
