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
City staff recommended approving the plan with a deviation from the usual rules to allow for the 10-ft decorative fence. — Dylan Lysen, Kansas City Star, 15 July 2026 The official opening at midnight on Tuesday, after a border fence was removed, allows a new freedom of movement under a historic treaty between the European Union and the United Kingdom. — Suman Naishadham, Los Angeles Times, 15 July 2026
Verb
The corridor, once open to informal use by runners and dog-walkers, has been fenced off for nearly a decade, since the discovery of soil contamination in several places. — Andres Viglucci, Miami Herald, 8 July 2026 Backyard paradise Full outdoor living spaces built for pets and people together — think dog pools, shaded lounge platforms, agility features, and fenced free-run zones integrated into the overall landscape design. — Ryan Brennan, Sacbee.com, 8 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
  • If no shelter is available, crawl to an interior wall away from windows.
    — CA Earthquake Bot, Sacbee.com, 16 July 2026
  • Photos of personal belongings, like smartphones, left behind the bar on the night of fire adorned the walls.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 15 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
  • And with Brown, VJ Edgecombe and Dean Wade on the roster, James would also be insulated from defending on the perimeter at a high volume.
    — Tony Jones, New York Times, 14 July 2026
  • The defending champions made Kansas City their base camp for the tournament as the team began its quest to become back to back champions for the first time since Brazil in 1958 and 1962.
    — PJ Green July 13, Kansas City Star, 14 July 2026
Definition of defend
Noun
  • In France, youth sports are heavily subsidized by local municipalities and community groups, substantially lowering the barrier for entry.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 12 July 2026
  • In an era where youth sports can cost parents thousands of dollars, a new no-cost league in the historic Northeast neighborhoods launched by the Kansas City Current aims to break down the financial barrier.
    — PJ Green July 11, Kansas City Star, 12 July 2026
Definition of barrier
Verb
  • In a confessional at the start of this week’s episode, Luke tries to redress his failure to communicate with Gen as an intentional attempt to guard Gen’s feelings in the middle of the charter.
    — Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 14 July 2026
  • Ajayi can be utilized as a switcher on defense, taking on roles such as guarding the ball handler or the opposing big.
    — Roderick Boone, Charlotte Observer, 13 July 2026
Definition of guard
Verb
  • Last year, lawmakers passed a law shielding the Concord speedway and other racetracks from noise and other nuisance complaints.
    — Charlotte Observer, Charlotte Observer, 15 July 2026
  • With the refinery planning an initial public offering later this year, the move to dollar pricing for local sales aims to shield it from foreign exchange risks.
    — Alexander Onukwue, semafor.com, 15 July 2026
Definition of shield
Verb
  • During the Thursday stop, Abbott called for a roof fortification grant program, comparing the plan to roof-safeguarding programs that have been established in other states.
    — Eleanor Dearman, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 15 July 2026
  • The effort resulted in a robust map of a crucial animal in the Gulf’s ecosystem, which the agency has pledged to help safeguard.
    — Kelsey Warner, semafor.com, 15 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 18 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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