guard 1 of 2

Definition of guardnext
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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

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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

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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
Illinois freshman guard Quentin Coleman had 11 points and 15 rebounds for Team USA. Gary Bedore, Kansas City Star, 2 June 2026 The Packers quarterback addressed the situation surrounding running back Josh Jacobs for the first time publicly during OTAs on Tuesday, admitting he was caught off guard by news of Jacobs' arrest last month. Alejandro Avila, FOXNews.com, 2 June 2026
Verb
These recipes are still made in-house, guarded closely and handled by the family. Brock Keeling, Oc Register, 3 June 2026 If Wembanyama defends Hart, this will be a major series for Towns, who will have either Castle, Vassell or Julian Champagnie guarding him. Fred Katz, New York Times, 3 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for guard
Recent Examples of Synonyms for guard
Noun
  • Due to safety concerns, the age restriction for overwater villa stays is 13 and up, though parents or guardians can sign a waiver upon booking.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 1 June 2026
  • Their protagonists tend to be runaways—men who join whaling expeditions in their haste to dodge the malaise that sets in on shore, boys who board rafts floating down the Mississippi to evade their guardians and their chores.
    Becca Rothfeld, New Yorker, 1 June 2026
Noun
  • The panel's decision was a victory for Democrats, who since last year have often found themselves on the defensive against Republican efforts to redraw congressional districts around the country in an effort to maintain their razor-thin majority in the House of Representatives.
    Dan Mangan, CNBC, 27 May 2026
  • Known as a reliable defensive forward, Scamurra added depth and versatility to the Victoire forward group, even making the switch from wing to center for the first time in her pro career.
    Hailey Salvian, New York Times, 19 May 2026
Noun
  • If the Roots Picnic performance was just a warm-up, then Jay-Z is very well on track to have the summer on lock yet again, without so much as a new single to his name.
    Steven J. Horowitz, Variety, 31 May 2026
  • The Original bludgeoned El Grande’s leg with a chair, then synched in the ankle lock submission.
    Alfred Konuwa, Forbes.com, 31 May 2026
Noun
  • But while defense contractors dropped Anthropic to comply with the DOD's order, the company's growth in the private sector only accelerated, as more businesses adopted its models and AI coding tools.
    Ashley Capoot, CNBC, 1 June 2026
  • The marketplace approach differs from traditional defense procurement programs.
    Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 1 June 2026
Noun
  • The World’s 50 Best Restaurants has released international dining guides since 2002.
    Angela Osorio, Los Angeles Times, 30 May 2026
  • Then be sure to read our picks of the best telescopes and binoculars for exploring the night sky, along with our beginner's guide to observing the moon!
    Anthony Wood, Space.com, 29 May 2026
Noun
  • For most of his 17-year professional career, Ream has forged a reputation as a solid defender, many times as a center back, for the New York Red Bulls in Major League Soccer, the Bolton Wanderers and Fulham FC in England.
    Michael Lewis, Forbes.com, 31 May 2026
  • Playing all the way out of the back, defender Alex Freeman weighted a perfect pass to Pepi across the halfway line and the striker charged forward, drawing the Senegalese defense once again.
    Kyle Feldscher, CNN Money, 31 May 2026
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 June 2026
  • This sacrificial mechanism forces an impact to expend far more energy to penetrate the material, thereby protecting the stronger, load-bearing polymer bonds from failing during rapid deformation.
    Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 3 June 2026
Verb
  • Iran had to shut in its own wells this month after the United States started blockading the strait.
    David Goldman, CNN Money, 27 May 2026
  • Demonstrators wielding dynamite have blockaded major cities, leading to shortages of food, fuel and medical supplies.
    ABC News, ABC News, 27 May 2026

Cite this Entry

“Guard.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/guard. Accessed 4 Jun. 2026.

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