guard 1 of 2

Definition of guardnext
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

6

guard

2 of 2

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
Freshman guard Kyle Baek scored 21 points including three 3-point baskets. Steve Fryer, Oc Register, 21 Jan. 2026 President Bernardo Arévalo issued an emergency declaration after prisoners took 43 guards hostage, killing 10 officers. Ashley J. Dimella, FOXNews.com, 20 Jan. 2026
Verb
The discontent extends even among Interior Ministry officers who guard Cuban prisons, says José Daniel Ferrer, a former political prisoner and prominent dissident who now lives in exile in Miami. Nora Gámez Torres, Miami Herald, 21 Jan. 2026 Exercises include guarding critical infrastructure and operating fighter aircraft in Arctic conditions. Frank Holmes, Forbes.com, 20 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for guard
Recent Examples of Synonyms for guard
Noun
  • According to a probable cause statement, investigators said those allegations form the basis of the trafficking charges after an adult guardian reported the children came to her home seeking food.
    Greg Wehner, FOXNews.com, 21 Jan. 2026
  • The event is all ages, though minors must be accompanied by a guardian, Waterloo said on social media.
    Katey Psencik, Austin American Statesman, 21 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • The lawsuit put state officials on the defensive, according to the Office of the Legislative Auditor, and deterred them from taking action against the nonprofit.
    David Ingram, NBC news, 11 Jan. 2026
  • Last week rookie defensive tackle Zeek Biggers blocked a 55-yard field goal attempt.
    Chris Perkins, Sun Sentinel, 5 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • While the outside world locks into the exhilarating highlights, Johnson drills down on the nuances.
    Dan Wiederer, New York Times, 7 Jan. 2026
  • After turning the lock with his teeth and tongue, Dawson pushes open the front door and walks out into the night.
    Kelli Bender, PEOPLE, 7 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • But Denver’s defense seemed to stay home with Jokic and company early in the game.
    Bennett Durando, Denver Post, 14 Jan. 2026
  • McCuskey, who is leading his state's legal defense against the trans athlete after the athlete sued to block the state's law to keep biological males out of girls' sports, addressed the allegations at a news conference Monday.
    Jackson Thompson, FOXNews.com, 14 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • Use the road's lane markings as a guide to staying in the correct lane.
    CA Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 12 Jan. 2026
  • However, this guide focuses specifically on the skyway level, organized by building.
    Jared Kaufman, Twin Cities, 11 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • Heaps is returning home while some other national team stars have gone to Europe in the past year, including defender Naomi Girma and Alyssa Thompson.
    Romi Bean, CBS News, 13 Jan. 2026
  • Daniels is a perimeter defender and Green guards frontcourt players, and both are arguably the best in their respective roles.
    Joseph Dycus, Mercury News, 12 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • The soft, warm material will protect against drafts that creep into one’s home, and the chunky yarn adds a nice texture when layered over coaches, chairs, and beds.
    Toni Sutton, PEOPLE, 22 Jan. 2026
  • Distribution of factual and lawfully obtained public information is generally protected by the First Amendment, according to Zick.
    Isabel Rosales, CNN Money, 22 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • Witnesses report that other vehicles besides Good's were blockading unmarked immigration agent vehicles with their emergency LED lights activated.
    Dana Kelley, Arkansas Online, 9 Jan. 2026
  • At first, Israel blockaded Gaza entirely, against the United States’ wishes.
    Andrew P. Miller, Foreign Affairs, 5 Dec. 2025

Cite this Entry

“Guard.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/guard. Accessed 23 Jan. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on guard

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!