Synonym Chooser

How is the word protect different from other verbs like it?

Some common synonyms of protect are defend, guard, safeguard, and shield. While all these words mean "to keep secure from danger or against attack," protect implies the use of something (such as a covering) as a bar to the admission or impact of what may attack or injure.

a hard hat to protect your head

When is defend a more appropriate choice than protect?

The words defend and protect can be used in similar contexts, but defend denotes warding off actual or threatened attack.

defend the country

When is it sensible to use guard instead of protect?

In some situations, the words guard and protect are roughly equivalent. However, guard implies protecting with vigilance and force against expected danger.

White House entrances are well guarded

When can safeguard be used instead of protect?

Although the words safeguard and protect have much in common, safeguard implies taking precautionary protective measures against merely possible danger.

our civil liberties must be safeguarded

When would shield be a good substitute for protect?

While in some cases nearly identical to protect, shield suggests protective intervention in imminent danger or actual attack.

shielded her eyes from the sun with her hand

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 protect Sources close to the negotiations, speaking anonymously to protect relationships, are optimistic that talks will result in a renewal — but until it is agreed, the concerns linger. James McNicholas, New York Times, 4 July 2025 The Evolutionary Appeal of Independence Humans are wired to protect autonomy. Scott Hutcheson, Forbes.com, 4 July 2025 No one disputes that a government’s first responsibility is to protect its own citizens. Michael Sheldrick, Forbes.com, 23 June 2025 Agnes has born the brunt of the harshness of the world, and Ada has been protected. Maureen Lee Lenker, EW.com, 23 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for protect
Recent Examples of Synonyms for protect
Verb
  • Thanks to the oceans on either side of us, the frozen wasteland to the north, and a gentle behemoth to the south, no one thought much about having to defend our borders.
    Stephen Marche, The Atlantic, 1 July 2025
  • The medium-to-long-range layer, David’s Sling, has replaced Patriot batteries supplied by the United States, defending against both aircraft, cruise missiles, and short-range ballistic missiles using a missile called Stunner.
    Sebastien Roblin, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025
Verb
  • Following the case law and detailed criteria for trust classification and instituting best practices can safeguard individuals’ trusts’ domestic status and avoid unintended tax and liability consequences.
    Priya Prakash Royal Esq. LL.M. MBA AEP TEP, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025
  • Defending institutions of higher education from increasingly authoritarian measures is an important way to safeguard not only academic freedom, but the legacy of 1776 as well.
    Time, Time, 1 July 2025
Verb
  • The main compartment is protected by a zipper, while the outside is made of a water-repellent fabric that will shield your wallet from the elements.
    Nicol Natale, People.com, 23 June 2025
  • While Chávez consistently denied involvement in drug trafficking, his administration fostered ties with guerrilla organizations and was accused of shielding FARC leaders and cocaine shipments.
    Antonio Maria Delgado, Miami Herald, 23 June 2025
Verb
  • Healthcare providers use it to guard sensitive patient data and meet strict compliance standards.
    Bhupendra Singh, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025
  • Chen finished with a career-high 10 points and drew the assignment of guarding Ariel Atkins, the Sky’s leading scorer in the fourth quarter.
    Nathan Canilao, Mercury News, 28 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Protect.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/protect. Accessed 8 Jul. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on protect

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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