as in insults
an act or expression showing scorn and usually intended to hurt another's feelings
in her farewell speech, the departing governor got in some retaliatory girds at the media
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in wraps
to encircle or bind with or as if with a belt
for the celebration of the heroes' return, well-wishers girded hundreds of trees with yellow ribbons she girded her waist with a delicate sash
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in equips
to provide (someone) with what is needed for a task or activity
the Spartan warrior girded himself for battle with sword and shield
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in surrounds
to form a circle around
a tall hedge girds the exclusive estate and shields it from prying eyes
Synonyms & Similar Words
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 girds
Sam Charles, Chicago Tribune, 29 Aug. 2025
Verb
Chicago police Superintendent Larry Snelling rebuked a Northwest Side alderman who expressed skepticism this week about Chicago’s year-over-year crime declines as the city girds itself ahead of a possible deployment of National Guard troops.
—Sam Charles, Chicago Tribune, 29 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for girds
Noun
-
Don't demand full refunds for minor issues, and avoid insults or aggressive language, which can quickly turn the situation into a standoff.—
Joshua Sidorowicz,
CBS News,
24 Feb. 2026
-
Davidson also shouted out other insults and profanity during the evening, according to Variety.—
Anastasia Tsioulcas,
NPR,
23 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Rapisura-Pardo stuffs a jalapeno half with a creamy crawfish filling, wraps it in a spring roll wrapper and fries until golden.—
Sean Timberlake,
Sacbee.com,
20 Feb. 2026
-
But rather than emphasize the opportunity waiting to be seized, Shumer wraps his message in doomsday-packaging that drains the innovative and optimistic energy that should characterize this moment.—
Neil Chilson,
Fortune,
20 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
My experience as a prosecutor and judge handling family cases, plus my role as Senate Finance Chair overseeing budgets, equips me to run the program effectively, maximizing collections for Texas children.—
Eleanor Dearman,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
14 Feb. 2026
-
Understanding your triggers better equips you for future anxious moments.—
Stefanie Groner,
Glamour,
4 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Nuclear excitement In terms of future growth, possibly the most excitement presently surrounds the company's work in nuclear energy.—
Ian King,
CNBC,
25 Feb. 2026
-
The center console also features textured metal surrounds on the cup holders and media dial, adding a jeweled look and feel.—
Scotty Reiss,
Parents,
24 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
The company furnishes filmmakers with the names, emails, IP addresses and locations of viewers, according to founder and CEO Scott Glosserman, which can help inform marketing and community engagement strategies.—
Katie Kilkenny,
HollywoodReporter,
5 Jan. 2026
-
The opening hour furnishes a number of similarly affecting beats, providing enough wit and energy to launch us into the daunting home stretch with a cautious smile.—
Ben Travers,
IndieWire,
26 Nov. 2025
Verb
-
Instead, a bright ring of sunlight encircles the moon's silhouette, often called a 'ring of fire'.—
Daisy Dobrijevic,
Space.com,
20 Feb. 2026
-
The trail encircles a large, ADA-accessible playground and also provides views of the South Bend skyline.—
Erika Ebsworth-Goold,
Midwest Living,
4 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
As has always been the case in my life, my main way of responding to political outrages is through writing and reading.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
28 Jan. 2026
-
Rideout’s trial, for example, teemed with outrages.—
S. C. Cornell,
New Yorker,
5 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
Molly Miranda is the owner of Houseplant Resource Center, a plant care guide and supplies company.—
Nishaa Sharma,
The Spruce,
21 Feb. 2026
-
Some find sorting, discarding, and organizing pantry items easy, while others find craft supplies more rewarding.—
Quincy Bulin,
Southern Living,
20 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Girds.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/girds. Accessed 28 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
