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
In a midseason rookie report, Gray discusses her development as a shooting guard after being drafted out of Ohio State in the second round of the 2026 WNBA draft to be an outside shooter. John W. Davis, Oc Register, 5 July 2026 Police with assault rifles stood guard on surrounding streets. Nasser Karimi, Arkansas Online, 5 July 2026
Verb
The 6-foot-9 Haugh stretches defenses with his shooting, attacks the rim, thrives in transition and guards multiple positions. Edgar Thompson, The Orlando Sentinel, 26 June 2026 For the past few weeks, the Valkyries’ first-ever All-Star has been anchoring Golden State’s defense in critical moments, guarding opposing bigs and sacrificing offensive opportunities for the sake of scheme. Nathan Canilao, Mercury News, 25 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for guard
Recent Examples of Synonyms for guard
Noun
  • The irony is that in not trying to pass muster with more conservative theatergoers (and their fastidious institutional guardians), playwrights have been winning over not just critics but also formerly squeamish artistic directors and perennially nervous Broadway producers.
    Theater Critic, Los Angeles Times, 29 June 2026
  • Evacuees must provide proof of evacuation, and parents or guardians must remain with their children at all times.
    Jennifer McRae, CBS News, 29 June 2026
Noun
  • The campaign for the measure would be expected to capitalize on the voter enthusiasm gap that so far this year favors Democrats, who typically are more supportive of tax increases, while Republicans are on the defensive.
    Michael Smolens, San Diego Union-Tribune, 28 June 2026
  • Eagles defensive coordinator Vic Fangio was in San Francisco when the 49ers tried to develop a record-setting British discus thrower into an NFL defensive tackle.
    Zach Berman, New York Times, 24 June 2026
Noun
  • Every purchase also includes a strap, lock, air pump, and rearview mirrors, giving riders a complete package that's ready for the road from day one.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 2 July 2026
  • Tatum, George and Derrick White are locks, Robinson will battle with Queta for the starting center gig, while the fifth spot might come down to Payton Pritchard and Sam Hauser.
    Bryan Toporek, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026
Noun
  • Neither team has pressed forward with much conviction in the first 15 minutes, and after some back-and-forth passing on the back line of the Netherlands' defense, boos could be heard from restless spectators in Monterrey.
    Andrew Greif, NBC news, 30 June 2026
  • Linda Parisi, Blake Rakela’s defense attorney, has asked the court to set bail and allow her client to be released while the criminal case proceeds.
    Rosalio Ahumada, Sacbee.com, 30 June 2026
Noun
  • Welcome to Climate Point, your weekly guide to the latest news about climate, energy and the environment.
    Dinah Voyles Pulver, USA Today, 2 July 2026
  • While some details are still forthcoming, this guide explains how these accounts work, including details about who is eligible, what free money is available and how to maximize the long-term growth potential.
    Jessica Dickler,Kate Dore, CFP®, EA, CNBC, 1 July 2026
Noun
  • Norway’s Andreas Schjelderup chipped the ball toward the goal from the left side, and Haaland leaped, swung his neck and headed it into the net, outjumping Brazil’s 6-foot-3 defender Gabriel Magalhães, his Premier League nemesis.
    Tim Rohan, NBC news, 6 July 2026
  • Before Mbappe scored his penalty, Gustavo Velazquez, the Paraguayan defender, scuffed the penalty spot, another underhanded attempt to disturb the tournament favourites.
    Adam Crafton, New York Times, 5 July 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, 6 July 2026
  • There aren’t enough ships to protect the reopening trade routes from pirates.
    Amanda Whiting, Vulture, 6 July 2026
Verb
  • Meanwhile, Lord Corlys Velaryon and his fleet have the city blockaded, while Team Black commands from Dragonstone and Daemon battles in the Riverlands and Aemond broods on the throne, which he’s taken from his maimed brother.
    Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 5 July 2026
  • The Strait of Hormuz, a vital shipping route for the region’s oil and gas, was effectively blockaded since the outbreak of war between the United States and Iran in late February.
    Lee Ying Shan, CNBC, 25 June 2026

Cite this Entry

“Guard.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/guard. Accessed 6 Jul. 2026.

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