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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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

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 fence
Noun
Their father dismounted, went down on foot, climbed the fence his son had crawled under. — Emily Ruskovich, The Atlantic, 7 July 2026 The pair hopped the fence, knocked on a barn door and were sitting in their car writing a note to ask permission to return to take photos when Metz pulled up behind them and got out of his truck. — Katie Langford, Denver Post, 7 July 2026
Verb
It is now surrounded by fencing and ominous signs that read DANGER EXPLOSIVES and show a bomb being detonated. — Matt Viser, The Atlantic, 2 July 2026 The biggest mistake brands will make in the coming wave is trying to fence that skill and expertise in rather than strategically embrace it. — Jordan P. Kelley, Forbes.com, 30 June 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 visitors had two hits before that, one of which was a two-out double by Mike Yastrzemski off the right field wall before Bart’s game-changing at-bat.
    — Chad Bishop, AJC.com, 9 July 2026
  • Note the wetlands-colored palette of tiles, all soft greens and pinkish browns, along the wall behind the oak bar.
    — Bill Addison, Los Angeles Times, 9 July 2026
Definition of wall
Verb
  • The best way to protect yourself during an earthquake is to drop, cover and hold on, officials say.
    — CA Earthquake Bot, Sacbee.com, 6 July 2026
  • There aren’t enough ships to protect the reopening trade routes from pirates.
    — Amanda Whiting, Vulture, 6 July 2026
Definition of protect
Noun
  • Some disappointed fans lingered near the barricades and boundaries police had set up and were enforcing.
    — Meriam Bouarrouj, NBC news, 4 July 2026
  • Temperatures soared outside, approaching 100 degrees as police set up barricades.
    — Bryan West, USA Today, 4 July 2026
Definition of barricade
Verb
  • While San Francisco’s bullpen is struggling, Rogers is in the midst of another excellent season after signing a three-year, $37 million deal to join the defending American League champions.
    — Justice delos Santos, Mercury News, 7 July 2026
  • This year, Argentina is defending its World Cup title, with Messi widely regarded as one of the greatest players the game has ever seen.
    — Maddie Connors, Los Angeles Times, 6 July 2026
Definition of defend
Noun
  • The laminate reinforces the glass to create a shatter-resistant barrier, preventing shards of glass from flying out during extreme weather.
    — Michelle Mullins, Chicago Tribune, 5 July 2026
  • Staffers wheeled the barriers over from the adjacent University of Washington baseball complex.
    — Henry Bushnell, New York Times, 4 July 2026
Definition of barrier
Verb
  • Diving for loose balls, boxing out, guarding whoever Steve Kerr told him to, and occasionally making a basket.
    — Joseph Dycus, Mercury News, 6 July 2026
  • Chiefs guard Trey Smith is not the only member of his family currently in the NFL, as his sister Ashley has a role in the league office.
    — Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 6 July 2026
Definition of guard
Verb
  • The Los Angeles Police Department is shielding the identity of the officer who shot and killed a golden Saint Berdoodle last month in Canoga Park, citing threats to the officer’s life.
    — Richard Winton, Los Angeles Times, 7 July 2026
  • Georgia has launched a new program aimed at protecting survivors of family and domestic violence by shielding their addresses from abusers, Caleb Groves reports.
    — Adam Beam, AJC.com, 6 July 2026
Definition of shield
Verb
  • But Canada has plans to launch hundreds of new satellites to safeguard its national sovereignty, reducing reliance on Washington, and the European Union is developing its own network of 290 satellites.
    — Amy Gunia, CNN Money, 9 July 2026
  • Prioritize safety, stay well-informed, and act responsibly to safeguard lives and property.
    — CA Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 9 July 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 11 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on fence

Nglish: Translation of fence for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about fence

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