guard 1 of 2

1
2
as in defensive
a position of readiness to oppose actual or expected attack be on your guard against snakes in the swamp

Synonyms & Similar Words

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
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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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guard

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verb

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

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
Mike Onwenu, now settled in at right guard, has returned to being one of the game’s best at the position. Chad Graff, New York Times, 8 Oct. 2025 Yet Arthur’s night takes an unexpected turn for the better when a guard named Patrick (Cúán Hosty-Blaney playing our second Patrick of the series) wanders in, one Arthur already knows from his nights at the Angel. Keith Phipps, Vulture, 25 Sep. 2025
Verb
Police have fanned out to guard synagogues across the country. Alex Leff, NPR, 2 Oct. 2025 The bill would have expanded existing laws guarding legislators’ and their families’ personal information from data brokers to the general public. Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 1 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for guard
Recent Examples of Synonyms for guard
Noun
  • Madeley will play Aunt Medora, Ellen’s former guardian.
    Rick Porter, HollywoodReporter, 2 Oct. 2025
  • Anna Madeley as Aunt Medora, Ellen’s lively, amoral aunt and former guardian.
    Joe Otterson, Variety, 2 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Keeping that in mind, Las Vegas has been linked as a potential trade suitor for a very intriguing dynamic defensive back.
    Evan Massey, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 Oct. 2025
  • California’s high gas prices have long put Democrats on the defensive.
    Michael Smolens, San Diego Union-Tribune, 28 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • In an ideal world, how many 2025 players still under contract for 2026 are a lock for a typical 2026 starting lineup?
    Andrew Baggarly, New York Times, 7 Oct. 2025
  • To help tame frizz and add shine to your locks, consider picking up this hair dryer brush and this Ouidad Climate Control gel, too.
    Alicia Geigel, Southern Living, 7 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Welcome to the third iteration of The Athletic’s annual defense ranking tiers.
    Harman Dayal, New York Times, 7 Oct. 2025
  • Subramanian is also weighing a defense motion to have Combs' convictions tossed.
    Liam Quinn, PEOPLE, 30 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Crafted to adapt to the unique demands of each story, the guide provides flexibility while upholding the highest standards of journalistic integrity.
    Nashville Tennessean, Nashville Tennessean, 5 Oct. 2025
  • Follow this guide and learn how to make the most of your next visit to Gordonsville for a solo day trip, a weekend with Mom, or a relaxing getaway with friends.
    Brennan Long, Southern Living, 4 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Head coach Robin van Persie’s pressing scheme was to show Villa’s defenders down the line, with Feyenoord’s closest central midfielder pressing the ball-side No 10.
    Jacob Tanswell, New York Times, 6 Oct. 2025
  • The Revolution provided a brief scare through a 59th-minute goal from Dor Turgeman, who embarrassed a defender before curling home a spectacular effort, but Inter Miami broke the tie almost immediately after the strike that made the score 2-1.
    Franco Panizo, Miami Herald, 5 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • The best way to protect yourself during an earthquake is to drop, cover and hold on, officials say.
    CA Earthquake Bot, Sacbee.com, 4 Oct. 2025
  • The commission reports the use of the ATMs by scammers, who urge consumers to deposit cash into them to protect their savings, is on the rise.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 4 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • As the attack unfolded, congregants blockaded themselves inside the synagogue, keeping Al-Shamie outside.
    Morgan Winsor, ABC News, 3 Oct. 2025
  • Moscow’s Black Sea Fleet blockaded Ukrainian ports, occupied Snake Island, and threatened Odessa, the country’s main coastal city.
    ANDRIY ZAGORODNYUK, Foreign Affairs, 23 Sep. 2025

Cite this Entry

“Guard.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/guard. Accessed 10 Oct. 2025.

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Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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