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
Authorities said Morley, 28, slipped through a fence in his prison clothes late Sunday night before walking to the nearby farm and stealing the truck. — ABC News, 28 Oct. 2026 Her father, a Vietnam Marine, helped build its roads, fences, and pastures. — Brian Unger, CBS News, 28 Oct. 2026
Verb
The road through no man’s land was fenced on either side and cut through a lush green minefield with yellow flowers. — Ben Taub, New Yorker, 12 Oct. 2026 The Los Angeles Times reports that the plaza will be permanently fenced off, with makeshift structures to be replaced by stainless steel barriers. — News Desk, Artforum, 5 Oct. 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 organ woven into the walls of the church where Bach spent decades as cantor was built in 2000, but its tuning and temperament systems were designed to be faithful to the standards of his lifetime.
    — Sasha Geffen, Pitchfork, 3 Nov. 2026
  • Handsink nearest kitchen entrance from seating area damaged and peeling off of wall.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 2 Nov. 2026
Definition of wall
Verb
  • Made with a breathable bamboo-viscose surface and waterproof barrier, it's designed to protect against spills without the uncomfortable crinkling of traditional mattress covers.
    — Jacorey Moon, Architectural Digest, 7 Nov. 2026
  • The 100 percent polyester fabric is light, yet durable enough to protect you from unpredictable autumn weather.
    — Kate Donovan, Southern Living, 7 Nov. 2026
Definition of protect
Noun
  • Rioters looted stores and set fires to barricades in Frankfurt on Saturday as protests across Germany demanded lower living costs and better education.
    — Freddie Clayton, NBC news, 1 Nov. 2026
  • Officials also closed barricades at site entrances to incoming traffic.
    — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 29 Oct. 2026
Definition of barricade
Verb
  • The official also said developing different weapon systems was increasingly urgent, arguing that the country’s armed forces needed to defend national security and deter external threats.
    — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 3 Nov. 2026
  • The Moon’s square to Uranus favors responding to the new situation instead of defending the original promise.
    — Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 3 Nov. 2026
Definition of defend
Noun
  • This means the One-All bypasses complex, costly safety barriers like airbags and crash-testing certifications that are needed for passenger cars.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 7 Nov. 2026
  • Made with a breathable bamboo-viscose surface and waterproof barrier, it's designed to protect against spills without the uncomfortable crinkling of traditional mattress covers.
    — Jacorey Moon, Architectural Digest, 7 Nov. 2026
Definition of barrier
Verb
  • Tempers seemed to flare between Flemings and Pelicans guard Bryce McGowens.
    — Lauren Williams, AJC.com, 2 Nov. 2026
  • In Serbia, armed police could be seen guarding the bank's offices in Belgrade after dozens of customers stood in long lines over the weekend trying to withdraw their savings.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 2 Nov. 2026
Definition of guard
Verb
  • Then there’s his mysterious deal for Venezuelan oil, which appears to have been crafted to shield the details from public scrutiny.
    — Business Columnist, Los Angeles Times, 2 Nov. 2026
  • Hundreds of protesters shielding the tent camp were dispersed by police using shields and some baton charges, the Reuters news agency reported.
    — Freddie Clayton, NBC news, 1 Nov. 2026
Definition of shield
Verb
  • Fort Lauderdale Vice Mayor Ben Sorensen argues the city needs to join with other municipalities to help change or repeal the Live Local Act in an effort to safeguard their communities.
    — Susannah Bryan, Sun Sentinel, 3 Nov. 2026
  • Her proposal calls for abolishing multiple government agencies that are critical to safeguarding our national security without providing definitive alternatives that would ensure their missions continue.
    — Daniel Delgado, Chicago Tribune, 2 Nov. 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 8 Nov. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on fence

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about fence

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