guards 1 of 2

plural of guard
1
2
as in defensives
a position of readiness to oppose actual or expected attack be on your guard against snakes in the swamp

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

3
as in locks
a protective device (as on a weapon) to prevent accidental operation slid the guard into place over the chainsaw chain

Synonyms & Similar Words

4
5
as in guides
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

guards

2 of 2

verb

present tense third-person singular of guard

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 guards
Noun
Here’s a look at how Herro’s absence affects the other guards on Miami’s standard roster. Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 22 Sep. 2025 Fans and others who watched the Eagles' latest meeting with the Chiefs argued the Eagles’ offensive guards moved before Philly’s center did. Chantz Martin, FOXNews.com, 20 Sep. 2025 After adding guards Malcolm Brogdon, Landry Shamet and Garrison Mathews on training camp contracts, the Knicks seem prepared to offload some young cogs in service of holding onto the vets. Alex Kirschenbaum, MSNBC Newsweek, 19 Sep. 2025 Easily prevent most damage by installing tree guards or wire cages around the base of young trees after planting them in your garden. Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 18 Sep. 2025 His father, a former military officer, was imprisoned following the Iranian revolution until his mother was able to negotiate his release with prison guards, according to reporting by the New York Times. Lily Mae Lazarus, Fortune, 18 Sep. 2025 Lily Mathé, one of the orchestra’s best violinists, vividly remembered being made to play jolly tunes in the SS officers’ mess at Auschwitz every evening while the guards ate their dinner. Literary Hub, 17 Sep. 2025 The rules also sought to ensure that transgender people could bathe separately and that the guards who monitored them were given specialty training. Seth Klamann, Denver Post, 16 Sep. 2025 One client reported saving on security costs within the first year, simply by replacing on-site guards with remote monitoring. Sixteen Ramos, USA Today, 15 Sep. 2025
Verb
While the Kremlin closely guards its economic data, independent analyses show debt is soaring, while growth is cooling. semafor.com, 22 Sep. 2025 Bahrain fiercely guards its reputation for natural pearls, having banned the production of cultured versions in 1928, soon after they’d been devised by Kokichi Mikimoto. Mark Ellwood, Robb Report, 20 Sep. 2025 Fágbénlé, guards Kaila Charles and Tiffany Hayes, forward Kayla Thornton and center Monique Billings. Nathan Canilao, Mercury News, 19 Sep. 2025 However, the win was a team effort as forward Brianna Turner (four points, six rebounds), forward Mikayla Timpson (nine points), guards Shey Peddy, Lexie Hull, and Aerial Powers brought the defensive energy and physicality that Indiana desperately needed. Allison Smith, Forbes.com, 17 Sep. 2025 The entrance to the building is always locked, and at least one officer guards the stairway down to the safes, where advanced securities are in place, including a fingerprint and iris scanner and an electronic key card reader. Kati Chitrakorn, CNN Money, 17 Sep. 2025 The water-resistant outer material guards your essentials against splashes, while elastic straps and multiple pockets help keep your bottles upright. Chaise Sanders, Travel + Leisure, 12 Sep. 2025 Injury report Rams guards Steve Avila and Kevin Dotson did not practice Wednesday with their ankle sprains, though McVay did not close the door on either of them playing Sunday against the Tennessee Titans. Adam Grosbard, Oc Register, 11 Sep. 2025 Other players of note include offensive/defensive tackle Stacy Peck, running back Joe Pullio, guards Evan Murphy and Braden Delisle, and safety Parker Delong. Erik Anderson, Boston Herald, 4 Sep. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for guards
Noun
  • In partnership with the West Virginia Division of Corrections, Smith trained over 230 sergeants in a single year, followed by sessions for lieutenants, captains, and wardens.
    Kevin Kruse, Forbes.com, 17 Sep. 2025
  • Game wardens responded to the scene and fatally shot the animal, officials said.
    Natalie Neysa Alund, USA Today, 15 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • However, a deterioration in economic conditions will mean investors should add to traditional defensives and low-beta stocks, which are less volatile than the broader market.
    Sarah Min, CNBC, 16 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • If someone unexpectedly opens the door to enter the room, a harsh alarm will sound to scare off the intruder—adding an extra layer beyond the hotel’s typical locks.
    Chaise Sanders, Travel + Leisure, 26 Sep. 2025
  • Acree allegedly started shooting after police announced their presence and used a drill to remove locks from the door.
    Robert A. Cronkleton, Kansas City Star, 26 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Then our defenses come into play as a reaction to that discomfort.
    CNN Money, CNN Money, 25 Sep. 2025
  • But teams played credibly last week — Fins competitive at Bills, Jets losing in last seconds at Tampa — but 0-3 is 0-3, with two bad defenses the main culprit.
    Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 25 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Large elevators, audio and visual guides, and sensory items are just a few ways the eccentric art museum, which originated in Santa Fe as a project by a group of artists, welcomes everyone.
    Kathleen Wong, USA Today, 26 Sep. 2025
  • Full Michigan Stadium policies and guides are available on the venue’s website.
    Brian McCollum, Freep.com, 25 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Bailey enters Monday leading all defenders in Fielding Run Value (31) and is on his way to winning a second consecutive Gold Glove Award, while Knizner has caught 302 games in the majors over seven seasons.
    Justice delos Santos, Mercury News, 23 Sep. 2025
  • If Evero and his defenders were looking to make a statement, that math should suffice.
    Charlotte Observer, Charlotte Observer, 22 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Merchandise purchased with your card may receive purchase protection, which protects eligible items for 90 days from the date of purchase if it is stolen or damaged.
    Ryley Amond, CNBC, 24 Sep. 2025
  • The law also protects employees who are working with the federal agents (who may not be a federal employee themselves).
    Ella Gonzales, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 24 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Road blockades, traffic slowdowns and other protests were widespread – from the southern port city of Marseille to Lille and Caen in the north, and from Nantes and Rennes in the west to Grenoble and Lyon in the southeast.
    Greg Norman, FOXNews.com, 10 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Guards.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/guards. Accessed 28 Sep. 2025.

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