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
Madison E. Goldberg, People.com, 2 May 2025
The news that Rubio was assuming another position, albeit temporarily, appeared to catch the State Department’s spokeswoman, Tammy Bruce, off guard during her press briefing.
—Mike Brest, The Washington Examiner, 1 May 2025
Steven Jiang, CNN Money, 1 May 2025
Secondly, most players, who are already guarded when talking to the media, become even more guarded.
—Patrick Saunders, Denver Post, 30 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for guard
Noun
Diggins, who plays guard for the WNBA team, married Smith in a Chicago ceremony in 2017.
—Madison E. Goldberg, People.com, 2 May 2025
The news that Rubio was assuming another position, albeit temporarily, appeared to catch the State Department’s spokeswoman, Tammy Bruce, off guard during her press briefing.
—Mike Brest, The Washington Examiner, 1 May 2025
Verb
We were headed to Tibet, a place where access is as guarded as its ancient treasures.
—Steven Jiang, CNN Money, 1 May 2025
Secondly, most players, who are already guarded when talking to the media, become even more guarded.
—Patrick Saunders, Denver Post, 30 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for guard
Recent Examples of Synonyms for guard
Noun
-
Since the org partnered with Three Camel Lodge in 2020 to expand the breeding program, visitors to the camp can meet the stoic (but still quite cute and fluffy) guardian dogs.—
AFAR Media,
AFAR Media,
25 Apr. 2025
-
Today’s Wordle Etymology The word genie comes from the French génie, which was borrowed from Latin genius, meaning a guardian spirit or guiding influence.—
Erik Kain,
Forbes.com,
24 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
The Seahawks can't let Barron's numbers and impressive tape convince them to take the Texas defensive back.—
Thomas G. Moukawsher,
MSNBC Newsweek,
24 Apr. 2025
-
Other Republicans have been put on the defensive by the administration’s handling of the controversial case.—
Alexander Bolton,
The Hill,
23 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
The door is lockable using a padlock or cable lock.—
Clint Davis,
People.com,
3 May 2025
-
Leave the keys in a lock box or with your real estate agent to ensure a smooth transition.—
Nafeesah Allen,
Better Homes & Gardens,
1 May 2025
Noun
-
And the Chargers were still able to address defense on Days 2 and 3.—
Daniel Popper,
New York Times,
27 Apr. 2025
-
Foreign ownership caps exist in critical sectors like telecom, aviation, and defense.—
Garth Friesen,
Forbes.com,
27 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
The program dives into how gut health impacts mood, stress and mental clarity with an approachable guide for resetting your microbiome in just one week.—
Alexandra Pastore,
Footwear News,
5 May 2025
-
Crypto Confidential: Forbes' definitive guide to crypto and blockchain, delivered to your inbox every Saturday.—
Azeem Khan,
Forbes.com,
4 May 2025
Noun
-
Starting guard Andrew Nembhard grew as a perimeter defender this season and just did well against Damian Lillad (pre-injury) in the first round.—
Tony East,
Forbes.com,
4 May 2025
-
From cutting off government contracts to raising questions about security clearances, the administration has sharpened its tools to challenge the legal industry’s influence — moves that critics call retaliatory and defenders describe as an overdue assertion of executive power.—
Kaelan Deese,
The Washington Examiner,
3 May 2025
Verb
-
House of Aama House of Aama, established in 2015, presents fashion as an instrument for storytelling while protecting cultural heritage and preserving memories.—
Arthur Zaczkiewicz,
Footwear News,
5 May 2025
-
Prima wondered, with pure bafflement, if there would come a time when people did not worry about her innocence and wish to protect her.—
Lillian Fishman,
New Yorker,
4 May 2025
Verb
-
Israel also has blockaded Gaza for the past six weeks, again barring the entry of food and other goods.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
20 Apr. 2025
-
Israel also has blockaded Gaza for the last six weeks, barring the entry of food, medicine and other goods.—
Wafaa Shurafa,
Los Angeles Times,
19 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Guard.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/guard. Accessed 9 May. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share