guard 1 of 2

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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

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
The latter option is particularly tantalizing because both guards offer valuable skills that could help a playoff hopeful be even more formidable in 2025-26. Mat Issa, Forbes.com, 10 Sep. 2025 At left guard and left tackle, the offense is breaking in a second-year player who’s a former tackle and a rookie in San Diego’s Josh Simmons, who last played a regular-season game in October. Tom Krasovic, San Diego Union-Tribune, 10 Sep. 2025
Verb
The Personal Data page also helps guard you against webcam spyware so hackers can peer into your private life. PC Magazine, 2 Sep. 2025 That could include guarding federal buildings. Dan Mangan, CNBC, 2 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for guard
Recent Examples of Synonyms for guard
Noun
  • The entire nest changes, the child changes and the parents/guardians change.
    Tembi Locke, PEOPLE, 4 Sep. 2025
  • Leaders who grasp this framework will see themselves not just as managers of tasks but as architects of signals, stewards of patterns, cultivators of pathways, and guardians of heuristics.
    Scott Hutcheson, Forbes.com, 3 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • This is the polar opposite of, say, a project designed to be controversial, confrontational and put TIFF on the defensive.
    David Fear, Rolling Stone, 5 Sep. 2025
  • For Russia, the SCO also remains one of the few international platforms where Putin is not on the defensive, underscoring Moscow's enduring ties with influential Asian partners despite Western sanctions.
    Anniek Bao, CNBC, 2 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • This small step locks in extra hydration and has made a huge difference in my routine.
    Rachel Trujillo, PEOPLE, 9 Sep. 2025
  • Plus, each zipper compartment locks to prevent pick-pocketers.
    Rachel Trujillo, Travel + Leisure, 9 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • The Minnesota Vikings had the fifth-best scoring defense in the NFL last season, and star linebacker Blake Cashman was a big reason why.
    Michael Gallagher, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 Sep. 2025
  • O’Connell and company could have had veteran center Ryan Kelly hold McCarthy’s hand against defensive coordinator Brian Flores’ defense this spring.
    Alec Lewis, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • This guide will give you the full scoop on when and how often to test soil, and provide soil testing tips for home and lab-based testing.
    Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 7 Sep. 2025
  • In The Charlotte Observer’s voter guide for the election, read about Mayor Vi Lyles, the most competitive council races and questionnaires from all candidates on the ballot.
    Josh Bergeron, Charlotte Observer, 7 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • He was quickly helped to feel at home at Forest by fellow Brazilians Murillo and Morato, while defender Jair Cunha being signed from Botafogo at the same time ensured he was also accompanied by a familiar face.
    Paul Taylor, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2025
  • Erik Thommy could not get to the rebound in time to take advantage of an empty net, and his shot was blocked by a defender out for a corner kick.
    Daniel Sperry, Kansas City Star, 8 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Michôd says that Sweeney was initially tentative about Martin's involvement, wanting to protect her own creative space, but opened up upon realizing that Martin wasn't going to try and control her performance.
    Esther Zuckerman, Time, 6 Sep. 2025
  • Sources close to Spence, who asked to remain anonymous to protect relationships, described him as an introvert to The Athletic in February.
    Jay Harris, New York Times, 6 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • But others describe the reality of the early weeks, where discussion was completely hampered by Israel's insistence on fully blockading aid into Gaza.
    Tom Bowman, NPR, 28 Aug. 2025
  • Egypt is Gaza’s only access to the outside world as Israel has blockaded the territory from the land, sea and air.
    Becky Anderson, CNN Money, 18 Aug. 2025

Cite this Entry

“Guard.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/guard. Accessed 11 Sep. 2025.

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