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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
Around the same time, the prison-like, black-steel fence was taken down from around the public prosecutor’s office. — Will Freeman, The Atlantic, 20 Sep. 2026 Isolated outback station From the air, Oak Park Station is a dot on a vast, mostly barren landscape scattered with trees, low-lying vegetation and long lines of roads and fences,around 150 miles north of Adelaide. — Hilary Whiteman, CNN Money, 20 Sep. 2026
Verb
Stroman said the dogs broke into her fenced yard and started chasing the emu. — Jennifer Borrasso, CBS News, 9 Sep. 2026 There's a Delfy Kids Club and, in the holiday season, complimentary activities including windsurfing, kayaking, tennis, and sports clinics during high summer that offer instruction from the master for a range of distractions from chess to fencing. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 8 Sep. 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
  • Behind the reception desk, a wall of 109 wooden pigeonholes doubles as an art installation, with some compartments displaying replicas of the property's original room keys and others filled with nautical relics reflecting Naples's coastal allure.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 29 Sep. 2026
  • As part of the experience, guests are seated at communal tables as the story of each dish unfolds, projected on the walls around them.
    — Kathryn Hopkins, Footwear News, 29 Sep. 2026
Definition of wall
Verb
  • These dangerous illnesses are all completely preventable and serve as a reminder of the importance of proper vaccines to protect the health of our families and children.
    — Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 26 Sep. 2026
  • Numbers can protect a relationship from unnecessary confusion.
    — Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 25 Sep. 2026
Definition of protect
Noun
  • Even the barricades of the Paris Commune in the finale are little more than bloodied background color.
    — Jessica Kiang, Variety, 23 Sep. 2026
  • Despite a preliminary injunction barring the venue from closing, people were kicked out of the building and barricades erected in the name of public safety that same day.
    — Jessica Gelt, Los Angeles Times, 18 Sep. 2026
Definition of barricade
Verb
  • An official of Congo's ruling party UDPS, Marie-Célestin Karondwa, was attacked by unknown suspects Sunday for defending the government's measures against Ebola on a radio program and was in critical condition, according to the UDPS.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 29 Sep. 2026
  • The state attorneys general likewise defended the deal, including the five-year term.
    — Gene Maddaus, Variety, 28 Sep. 2026
Definition of defend
Noun
  • The Romeoville barrier does not protect the Des Plaines River above where the river and the Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal join.
    — Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 26 Sep. 2026
  • Despite a strong résumé, Buchanan has encountered various barriers to entry throughout his career.
    — Joe Bobowicz, Vogue, 26 Sep. 2026
Definition of barrier
Verb
  • Rashee Rice has 71 receiving yards save for his 31-yard uncontested catch-and-run while the Colts were guarding the end zone and letting the clock expire.
    — Scott Chasen, Kansas City Star, 27 Sep. 2026
  • Those plays are easy to guard and yards after the catch are low.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 26 Sep. 2026
Definition of guard
Verb
  • The janitor squinted into the distance, shielding her eyes from the sun with a hand.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 28 Sep. 2026
  • Charli donned a tight LBD with fishnet tights, platform heels, and shield shades.
    — Christian Allaire, Vogue, 28 Sep. 2026
Definition of shield
Verb
  • Leo has emphasized the need to protect the dignity of all human life, from immigrants to the sick and unborn, most significantly in his inaugural encyclical on safeguarding human dignity in the age of artificial intelligence.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 21 Sep. 2026
  • There’s this weird attraction to potential violence and knowing that you’re safeguarded from it.
    — Anusha Praturu, Vulture, 21 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 29 Sep. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on fence

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about fence

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