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
Colleen Kane, Chicago Tribune, 3 Feb. 2026
Anderson then was dealt by the Heat to the Jazz in July in the three-team deal that delivered guard Norman Powell from the Los Angeles Clippers.
—Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 3 Feb. 2026
Jason Anderson, Sacbee.com, 3 Feb. 2026
But Aaliyah Chavez, the Sooners' star freshman, was 3-for-13 shooting for 11 points, eight fewer than her average, while mostly guarded by Rori Harmon, who also scored 10 points.
—Arkansas Online, 2 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for guard
Noun
The guard has the second-most triple-doubles this season behind only Nikola Jokić.
—Colleen Kane, Chicago Tribune, 3 Feb. 2026
Anderson then was dealt by the Heat to the Jazz in July in the three-team deal that delivered guard Norman Powell from the Los Angeles Clippers.
—Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 3 Feb. 2026
Verb
Both of them can pretty much guard one through five.
—Jason Anderson, Sacbee.com, 3 Feb. 2026
But Aaliyah Chavez, the Sooners' star freshman, was 3-for-13 shooting for 11 points, eight fewer than her average, while mostly guarded by Rori Harmon, who also scored 10 points.
—Arkansas Online, 2 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for guard
Recent Examples of Synonyms for guard
Noun
-
In addition, Wilmette police could cite parents or guardians for allowing their children under 16 to ride a faster e-bike or e-scooter.—
Shun Graves,
Chicago Tribune,
4 Feb. 2026
-
Since so many have fur babies, don’t forget to name a guardian for your pet and leave money to pay for its care in your will or through a pet trust, experts said.—
Medora Lee,
USA Today,
4 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
While Heyward, Watt and Ramsey are all in their 30s, the Steelers do have a promising core of young talent led by rookie defensive tackle Derrick Harmon and third-year outside linebacker Nick Herbig.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
31 Jan. 2026
-
Zator was a starting defensive back for Lemont in football as a junior but made the decision to step away from that sport before his senior year.—
Steve Millar,
Chicago Tribune,
27 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
The queen of maximalist beauty also once again demonstrated her expertise in the makeup and hair space by playing with her copper-red locks, debuting curly bangs and mermaid braids among her soft waves.—
Pamela Vázquez,
Glamour,
2 Feb. 2026
-
The Corps of Engineers essentially built a stair-step of flat lakes joined by locks.—
Edward Lotterman,
Twin Cities,
1 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
In defense of the project, the developers say low-income housing is greatly needed in Placer County, and the population boom would support growth for local businesses.—
Ashley Sharp,
CBS News,
27 Jan. 2026
-
The Celtics opened with one of their most dominant quarters of the season, outscoring the Blazers 32-11 through balanced offense and smothering defense.—
Zack Cox,
Boston Herald,
27 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Skywatchers hoping to capture their own views of distant solar system comets should check out our roundups of the best smart telescopes, cameras and lenses for astrophotography, along with our guide on how to view and photograph comets.—
Elizabeth Howell,
Space.com,
30 Jan. 2026
-
To help ease your planning, consider this handy guide for each island’s must-visit features, proving there is something for everyone in this Caribbean gem.—
Condé Nast Traveler,
Condé Nast Traveler,
30 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Sending Schroder and Ellis to Cleveland in exchange for Hunter alleviates the logjam in the backcourt while adding size, length and another versatile defender to the frontcourt alongside Keegan Murray.—
Jason Anderson,
Sacbee.com,
1 Feb. 2026
-
No extra defender to erase mistakes.—
Miami Herald,
Miami Herald,
1 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Photographer Alina Vlady echoes this sentiment, emphasizing that a phone-free ceremony protects the couple’s experience.—
Nikita Khanna,
Vogue,
5 Feb. 2026
-
Cubans were shocked by the US operation in January that captured their key ally, Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro, and resulted in the deaths of more than 30 Cuban security forces protecting him.—
Bianna Golodryga,
CNN Money,
5 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
But our ability to strangle off and keep the chokehold on the Venezuelan regime keeps that fleet blockading Venezuela.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
18 Jan. 2026
-
Witnesses report that other vehicles besides Good's were blockading unmarked immigration agent vehicles with their emergency LED lights activated.—
Dana Kelley,
Arkansas Online,
9 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Guard.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/guard. Accessed 5 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
