fence 1 of 2

noun

ˈfen(t)s How to pronounce fence (audio)
Definition of fencenext
as in wall
a physical object that blocks the way the only way to prevent motorists from trying to use that unsafe bridge is to put a fence across the road leading to it

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

fence

2 of 2

verb

as in to protect
to drive danger or attack away from had worked as a bodyguard, fencing a number of pop stars at big events

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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 fence
Noun
The canvas features a beautiful portrait of a home in the countryside surrounded by a white fence, fall foliage, and a small pond with little ducks—what’s not to love? — Alicia Geigel, Southern Living, 19 Aug. 2026 It would be surrounded by an 8-foot-tall, coated aluminum fence and would have a storage container and a battery supply for the drones. — Phil Diehl, San Diego Union-Tribune, 19 Aug. 2026
Verb
Admittedly, spying is more difficult to do in the Premier League, with training grounds gated and fenced. — Jacob Tanswell, New York Times, 14 Aug. 2026 The developer proposed measures to reduce disruptions on the adjacent school, including fencing and screening, dust and noise controls, moving some construction activity away from the school and using off-site parking for construction workers. — Nicole Buss, Sacbee.com, 13 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for fence
Recent Examples of Synonyms for fence
  1. wall
  2. protect
  3. barricade
  4. defend
  5. barrier
  6. guard
  7. shield
  8. safeguard
Noun
  • The Cohen Building originally housed the Social Security Administration, an important piece of the New Deal legacy, and contains frescoes painted in the 1940s by famed artist Seymour Fogel on the entrance lobby walls, Okin said.
    — Bill Hutchinson, ABC News, 20 Aug. 2026
  • Polished stone-tile floors, whitewashed walls, and spacious bathrooms are common elements of all the rooms.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 20 Aug. 2026
Definition of wall
Verb
  • The tiny and quick drones are being deployed in an increasing number of school districts – part of a growing school security industry as parents and schools find new ways to protect students and staff from carnage.
    — Cindy Von Quednow, CNN Money, 24 Aug. 2026
  • Talk through the number, name what feels fair, and choose the version of fun that protects trust.
    — Tarot.com, Sun Sentinel, 24 Aug. 2026
Definition of protect
Noun
  • Officers pointed guns, sirens were sounded, and barricades went up at the gate entrance, KEYT reported.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 19 Aug. 2026
  • Running battles erupted throughout downtown as security forces used tear gas and batons to disperse crowds, while protesters responded with barricades, stones, and slingshots.
    — Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 19 Aug. 2026
Definition of barricade
Verb
  • Among the men who publicly defended the klan, representing them in court cases in the 1970s and ’80s, was an attorney named John Edmond Mays.
    — Alaa Elassar, CNN Money, 25 Aug. 2026
  • New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani was not among them, however, even going out of his way to defend and support the Democratic leader.
    — Brady Knox, The Washington Examiner, 25 Aug. 2026
Definition of defend
Noun
  • But even when care is available, stigma can still present a huge barrier.
    — Lauren Mascarenhas, CNN Money, 23 Aug. 2026
  • Beyond removing the psychological and practical barrier of injections, oral formulations are not reliant on syringes or refrigeration and are cheaper to manufacture.
    — Perdita Nouril, Vogue, 21 Aug. 2026
Definition of barrier
Verb
  • Chargers guard Kayode Awosika threw 49ers defensive lineman Sebastian Valdez to the ground while pass blocking during an 11-on-11 period.
    — Daniel Popper, New York Times, 23 Aug. 2026
  • Biadasz sustained the injury when Chargers guard Kayode Awosika threw 49ers defensive lineman Sebastian Valdez to the ground during an 11-on-11 drill.
    — Ryan Canfield OutKick, FOXNews.com, 23 Aug. 2026
Definition of guard
Verb
  • The clash underscores the broader difficulties Europe faces in shielding its firms from China’s industrial policies, which Brussels has blamed for costing European jobs.
    — Brendan Ruberry, semafor.com, 19 Aug. 2026
  • Civil rights advocates warn the insurance would further shield officers from accountability, even as sheriffs welcome new protections amid rising lawsuits and gaps in existing coverage for immigration enforcement work.
    — Ryan J. Foley, Los Angeles Times, 19 Aug. 2026
Definition of shield
Verb
  • The government led by President Delcy Rodriguez has so far failed to pass new laws that sufficiently safeguard private property rights, progress essential to attracting heavy overseas investment.
    — Shawn Tully, Fortune, 20 Aug. 2026
  • But that could change if lawmakers choose not to pass legislation safeguarding distillery deliveries before the legislative session ends on August 31.
    — Darrielle Fair, CBS News, 19 Aug. 2026
Definition of safeguard

Phrases Containing fence

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Cite this Entry

“Fence.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fence. Accessed 26 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on fence

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about fence

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