guard 1 of 2

noun

ˈgärd How to pronounce guard (audio)
Definition of guardnext
1
as in guardian
a person or group that watches over someone or something checked in with the security guard at the gate

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2
as in defensive
a position of readiness to oppose actual or expected attack be on your guard against snakes in the swamp

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in lock
a protective device (as on a weapon) to prevent accidental operation slid the guard into place over the chainsaw chain

Synonyms & Similar Words
4
as in defense
means or method of defending the boxer's sparring partner managed to get a blow in under his left guard

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5
as in guide
one that accompanies another for protection, guidance, or as a courtesy the honor guards raised their sabers as the happy couple descended the church steps

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6
as in defender
someone that protects a battalion of burly guards surrounding the celebrity

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guard

2 of 2

verb

1
as in to protect
to drive danger or attack away from guard the quarterback so he doesn't get sacked

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to blockade
to disallow entry into (a place) by means of a physical barrier at the entry point a fire-breathing dragon guarded the entrance to the castle

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How is the word guard different from other verbs like it?

Some common synonyms of guard are defend, protect, safeguard, and shield. While all these words mean "to keep secure from danger or against attack," guard implies protecting with vigilance and force against expected danger.

White House entrances are well guarded

In what contexts can defend take the place of guard?

The words defend and guard are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, defend denotes warding off actual or threatened attack.

defend the country

When can protect be used instead of guard?

While the synonyms protect and guard are close in meaning, protect implies the use of something (such as a covering) as a bar to the admission or impact of what may attack or injure.

a hard hat to protect your head

Where would safeguard be a reasonable alternative to guard?

In some situations, the words safeguard and guard are roughly equivalent. However, safeguard implies taking precautionary protective measures against merely possible danger.

our civil liberties must be safeguarded

When is shield a more appropriate choice than guard?

The words shield and guard can be used in similar contexts, but shield suggests protective intervention in imminent danger or actual attack.

shielded her eyes from the sun with her hand

How is the word guard different from other verbs like it?

Some common synonyms of guard are defend, protect, safeguard, and shield. While all these words mean "to keep secure from danger or against attack," guard implies protecting with vigilance and force against expected danger.

White House entrances are well guarded

In what contexts can defend take the place of guard?

The words defend and guard are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, defend denotes warding off actual or threatened attack.

defend the country

When can protect be used instead of guard?

While the synonyms protect and guard are close in meaning, protect implies the use of something (such as a covering) as a bar to the admission or impact of what may attack or injure.

a hard hat to protect your head

Where would safeguard be a reasonable alternative to guard?

In some situations, the words safeguard and guard are roughly equivalent. However, safeguard implies taking precautionary protective measures against merely possible danger.

our civil liberties must be safeguarded

When is shield a more appropriate choice than guard?

The words shield and guard can be used in similar contexts, but shield suggests protective intervention in imminent danger or actual attack.

shielded her eyes from the sun with her hand

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 guard
Noun
Flau’jae Johnson with the eighth overall pick, the Valkyries then traded the 5-foot-10 shooting guard to the Seattle Storm for former Cal forward Marta Suárez, who spent this past season with TCU and was selected in the second round with the 16th overall pick. —Nathan Canilao, Mercury News, 14 Apr. 2026 Burton is the second Notre Dame player to commit elsewhere after guard Cole Certa signed with Clemson. —Colleen Kane, Chicago Tribune, 14 Apr. 2026
Verb
Guard Keaton Wagler has declared for the NBA draft, while guard Kylan Boswell and forward Ben Humrichous are graduating. —Colleen Kane, Chicago Tribune, 15 Apr. 2026 The Hawks won’t guard him straight up, even with Dyson Daniels, one of the best defenders in the league. —Kristian Winfield, New York Daily News, 15 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for guard
Recent Examples of Synonyms for guard
  1. guardian
  2. defensive
  3. lock
  4. defense
  5. guide
  6. defender
  7. protect
  8. blockade
Noun
  • With the knife in her hand, Guzman approached the toddler and his guardian in a shopping aisle.
    — Charna Flam, PEOPLE, 15 Apr. 2026
  • In New Jersey, lawmakers are considering a bill to amend a state law that allows parents to nominate standby, or temporary, guardians in the cases of death, incapacity, or debilitation.
    — CNN Money, CNN Money, 15 Apr. 2026
Definition of guardian
Noun
  • That includes safety Emmanuel McNeil-Warren of Toledo, whom NFL draft analyst Daniel Jeremiah rates as the 16th-best prospect in the draft, and San Diego State defensive back Chris Johnson, whom Jeremiah ranks 40th.
    — Arnie Stapleton, Chicago Tribune, 11 Apr. 2026
  • The Celtics’ defensive-rebounding rollercoaster has an argument as the most surprising turnaround in the NBA this season.
    — Fred Katz, New York Times, 10 Apr. 2026
Definition of defensive
Noun
  • This $29 lanyard is slim with a secure lock to keep your phone in place.
    — Rebecca Shinners, Travel + Leisure, 12 Apr. 2026
  • Lightweight, flushable and eco‑friendly, this mixed tofu litter locks in odors fast while staying gentle on paws and easy on the planet.
    — Kasey Caminiti, USA Today, 11 Apr. 2026
Definition of lock
Noun
  • The crisis of American defense production has been slowly worsening since the start of the Russian invasion in Ukraine.
    — Garrett M. Graff, New Yorker, 14 Apr. 2026
  • His successor is expected to reverse Hungary’s Russia-friendly policies and lift the nation’s blockade of European Union military aid for Ukraine’s defense against Russian invasion.
    — Nicholas Riccardi, Los Angeles Times, 13 Apr. 2026
Definition of defense
Noun
  • Intentionally, there is no permanent Tunnel Projects sign anywhere in the complex, though a small map on a signpost is set out inconspicuously at a side entrance, and a paper guide is taped to the wall next to the ground-floor elevator, which is hidden in an alcove.
    — Andres Viglucci, Miami Herald, 17 Apr. 2026
  • The guide spans decades-old gems like The Diamond and Lupie’s alongside spots like Bird Pizzeria and Fin & Fino, proving Charlotte’s food diversity rivals any major city.
    — Charlotte Observer, Charlotte Observer, 17 Apr. 2026
Definition of guide
Noun
  • As the pandemic set in, Garrison occasionally drove downtown in his Cadillac and met with Claude Kelly, the public defender, in his deserted office.
    — Patrick Radden Keefe, New Yorker, 13 Apr. 2026
  • In the 11th minute, SDFC threatened to take a 2-0 lead when Valakari split a pair of Minnesota defenders before blasting a low attempt from the top of the box.
    — Kyle Kensing, San Diego Union-Tribune, 12 Apr. 2026
Definition of defender
Verb
  • Custom metallic-textile curtains are used to help filter light and protect sensitive works, while allowing subtle changes throughout the day and seasons to shape the viewing experience.
    — City News Service, Daily News, 16 Apr. 2026
  • Please protect this land, protect beauty and protect the feeling of a great hike.
    — Beret Leone, CBS News, 16 Apr. 2026
Definition of protect
Verb
  • Trump is blockading Iranian ports in the Persian Gulf.
    — Anniek Bao, CNBC, 14 Apr. 2026
  • Trump’s threat Sunday to blockade the Strait of Hormuz could choke off Iran’s oil sales and the multimillion-dollar tolls that were helping finance its war against the United States.
    — David Goldman, CNN Money, 13 Apr. 2026
Definition of blockade

Phrases Containing guard

Browse Nearby Words

guarantying
guard
guard (against)
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Cite this Entry

“Guard.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/guard. Accessed 18 Apr. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on guard

Nglish: Translation of guard for Spanish Speakers

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