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

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
Sitting on the fence right now, contemplating various scenarios are the Marlins, Nationals, Orioles, Padres, Tigers and Twins. — Chuck Murr, Forbes.com, 29 July 2026 In an April TikTok video, Emilie Kiser encouraged viewers to implement measures like pool fences, door alarms and infant swimming resource lessons. — Melina Khan, USA Today, 29 July 2026
Verb
The school recently announced an expansion of its indoor sports complex — in addition to staples like a weight room and a large sports hall for different activities, the facility will also include a fencing salle, a squash center and more. — Stephanie Petit, PEOPLE, 21 July 2026 The man appeared unresponsive and the yard was fenced, with a locked gate. — Clara Harter, Los Angeles Times, 21 July 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
  • Some black-and-white photos line the wall, as do chef-owner Tony Gemignani's many international pizza-making awards.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 30 July 2026
  • Tolbert got a 93-mph fastball on the inside part of the plate and hit it just over the left-center field wall.
    — Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 30 July 2026
Definition of wall
Verb
  • Across more than 400,000 acres, water, fire, peat and time continue to shape an intact wetland, reminding us that conservation is about protecting the natural systems that sustain life itself.
    — AJ Willingham, AJC.com, 27 July 2026
  • Name the conflict plainly, offer realistic timing, and protect the commitment that matters most today.
    — Tarot.com, The Orlando Sentinel, 27 July 2026
Definition of protect
Noun
  • Cope recovered and dumped Claudio over the barricade as Christian dragged himself to the corner for a tag.
    — Alfred Konuwa, Forbes.com, 27 July 2026
  • Others edited footage of themselves dodging police barricades to mimic the popular endless runner mobile game Subway Surfers.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 25 July 2026
Definition of barricade
Verb
  • The admission was astonishing after his defense team had spent years diligently defending him against the charges.
    — Emily Smith, CNN Money, 28 July 2026
  • In a year where the quality of his car has made any thought of defending his title seem distant, this was a race where Norris looked every bit a world champion.
    — Luke Smith, New York Times, 27 July 2026
Definition of defend
Noun
  • The surge in gray divorces is also often driven by women – who have long faced restrictive gender norms in conservative Asian societies, as well as legal, financial, and social barriers to seeking divorce.
    — Jessie Yeung, CNN Money, 26 July 2026
  • The near silence amid the height of the pandemic prompted Johnson’s campaign for noise barriers.
    — Doug Turnbull, AJC.com, 26 July 2026
Definition of barrier
Verb
  • The album daisy-chains different ideas together across seven tracks with the kind of freedom that Zaks can only achieve with sufficient haze to guard his process.
    — H.D. Angel, Pitchfork, 27 July 2026
  • This being Hollywood, however, Bamford is guarded over praise as its can be short-lived and fame and fortune can’t make up for ongoing struggles.
    — Etan Vlessing, HollywoodReporter, 27 July 2026
Definition of guard
Verb
  • The decision, at least for now, shielded Fauci from answering questions that could expose him to accusations of lying under oath.
    — Lauran Neergaard, Fortune, 29 July 2026
  • On June 10, Abbott sent out a letter ordering state regulators to shield Texans from the electricity costs related to data centers.
    — Mary Ella Hastings July 29, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 29 July 2026
Definition of shield
Verb
  • To safeguard against these abuses of power, democracies like the UK and US have hearings, committees, and other measures to hold their intelligence bodies accountable, said Shetler-Jones.
    — Jessie Yeung, CNN Money, 31 July 2026
  • The Secret Service’s actual procedures turn out to be more like guidelines that can be discarded if the president is sufficiently angry—which, from the standpoint of safeguarding democracy, constitutes a fairly concerning loophole.
    — Jonathan Chait, The Atlantic, 30 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 31 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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