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
Bellin later climbed a fence to get to a bike path, walking three quarters of a mile to her car covered in blood. — Sacbee.com, 2 Sep. 2026 The brick pathway at my feet passed through a small ornamental fence, crossed some scrubby grass, then ran up the steps to the Helen Keller Birthplace at Ivy Green. — Literary Hub, 2 Sep. 2026
Verb
Pedestrians will still be able to move through much of downtown during the Grand Prix, but fencing and concrete barriers will block some familiar paths and crossings around the course. — Mike Stunson, USA Today, 20 Aug. 2026 The shoreline below has been fenced off for more than two years, pending the removal of old wood pilings. — Jake Offenhartz, New Yorker, 17 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
  • Values on a wall ask people to interpret abstractions, while stories carry judgment and understanding inside them.
    — Bryan Adams, Forbes.com, 2 Sep. 2026
  • While the tents have the most charm, imo—ivory canvas walls, Adirondack chairs on wooden porches, true beds with sheepskin throws and wooden frames—the cabins and suites are unsurprisingly the more comfortable option.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 Sep. 2026
Definition of wall
Verb
  • Brughmans’ work outside of protecting his own goal is equally interesting.
    — Matt Pyzdrowski, New York Times, 7 Sep. 2026
  • Rice lipids and jojoba oil seal in moisture and replenish the skin barrier, while 2% ectoin soothes redness and protects against water loss.
    — Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 6 Sep. 2026
Definition of protect
Noun
  • Thousands of fans, six deep along the barricades, waited for this LSU team, led by Kiffin, to walk the streets just outside of Tiger Stadium.
    — Trey Wallace OutKick, FOXNews.com, 6 Sep. 2026
  • So in 1995, the brothers launched a side hustle of their own, offering traffic safety—rental equipment, cones, barricades, and signs on the road, plus 24/7 emergency dispatch—all in one place.
    — Orianna Rosa Royle, Fortune, 4 Sep. 2026
Definition of barricade
Verb
  • The Bills believe in Bernard and have described his 2025 season as an injury that derailed his entire year, though there were some run-defending holes in his game before last season.
    — Joe Buscaglia, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2026
  • The last episode ended with Heather sloppily approaching Lisa while Lisa’s Ultimate Girls Trip buddies hovered on the sidelines, ready to defend their new friend.
    — Ile-Ife Okantah, Vulture, 7 Sep. 2026
Definition of defend
Noun
  • Rice lipids and jojoba oil seal in moisture and replenish the skin barrier, while 2% ectoin soothes redness and protects against water loss.
    — Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 6 Sep. 2026
  • The Texas Semiconductor Innovation Fund was created to support semiconductor research and development investments, reduce barriers to innovation, and address growing global competition in the semiconductor industry.
    — Maria Mocerino, Interesting Engineering, 5 Sep. 2026
Definition of barrier
Verb
  • Cowboys guard Tyler Smith will miss four to six weeks with a thumb injury.
    — Chris Branch, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2026
  • One year later, after being combative and guarded in his rookie season, that armor appears to be coming off.
    — Antwan Staley, New York Daily News, 6 Sep. 2026
Definition of guard
Verb
  • The guests themselves remained enshrouded in secrecy as black cars were seen driving into a large white tent, with the entrance set off by black curtains, shielding attendees from nearby prying eyes.
    — Lily Ford, HollywoodReporter, 2 Sep. 2026
  • Consumer advocacy groups, including those for wildfire victims, have criticized efforts to shield utilities from liability for fires caused by their equipment, arguing the utilities must do more on prevention.
    — Alexa LoMonaco, CNBC, 2 Sep. 2026
Definition of shield
Verb
  • In 1995, after Selena’s tragic death at the hands of Yolanda Saldivar, the former president of her fan club, Abraham dedicated his life to safeguarding her legacy and overseeing primary control over her estate.
    — Andrea Flores, Los Angeles Times, 3 Sep. 2026
  • The alleged corruption occurred between 2019-24 while Hédouville headed the Office of Citizen Protection, the government agency charged with safeguarding human rights.
    — Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 3 Sep. 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 9 Sep. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on fence

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about fence

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