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 last couple of weeks have been tough trying to figure out how to run the offense and also score and also defend the lead guard. John W. Davis, Oc Register, 13 July 2025 The Heat is intrigued to see what this mix of players can accomplish after the recent addition of veteran guard Norman Powell. Miami Herald, 13 July 2025
Verb
Currently on sale for 47 percent off, this versatile dress is designed to easily wick away moisture to keep you temperate throughout the warmer months, and it’s made with UPF 30 protection to guard your skin against harsh sun rays. Merrell Readman, Travel + Leisure, 9 July 2025 Byrne was alone in a patrol car on Feb. 26, 1988, guarding the Queens home of a witness when McClary and three others ambushed him in an eruption of gunfire. Graham Rayman, New York Daily News, 8 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for guard
Recent Examples of Synonyms for guard
Noun
  • The council will also consider measures to hold parents and guardians accountable for their children's actions, including fines and parenting classes for repeat violations.
    Jordan Smith, IndyStar, 8 July 2025
  • Riding on the laurels of military success in Iran, Netanyahu and Trump envision themselves as guardians of the free world.
    Ayelet Gundar-Goshen, Time, 7 July 2025
Noun
  • The junior earned second-team All-Alpha League honors in ’24. Chargers coach Jeff Grady said Teo Hampton is another wide receiver/defensive back to watch.
    Dan Albano, Oc Register, 11 July 2025
  • Mission Viejo defensive back Jeron Jones has committed to Washington. . .
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 7 July 2025
Noun
  • Love locks have been slowly disappearing from the Old Red Bridge in south Kansas City off Red Bridge Road, as an amateur locksmith from Overland Park admits to using the locks to practice his skills.
    Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 11 July 2025
  • The spray is also formulated with argan oil, vitamins, and fatty acids to smooth and soften your locks.
    PEOPLE Deals Team, People.com, 10 July 2025
Noun
  • If Green is ready to make an impact as a rookie, the Ravens’ defense will be a handful for opponents.
    Jeff Zrebiec, New York Times, 8 July 2025
  • Prior to Monday night’s game, Cora talked about the team’s improved base running and strong defense being keys to their latest success.
    Dan Freedman, Forbes.com, 8 July 2025
Noun
  • The book emphasized that people are looking for a guide, like Yoda for Luke Skywalker, because everyone is the hero of their own day.
    Dave Knox, Forbes.com, 15 July 2025
  • Note that Taliesin West is open only in the mornings for tours, either with an audio guide or a docent.
    AFAR Media, AFAR Media, 14 July 2025
Noun
  • Newton possessed the speed to beat defenders, but had the strength of a fullback.
    Justin Grasso, MSNBC Newsweek, 15 July 2025
  • But the comments continued to pour in, including warnings from some of Trump's top defenders that the issue is not going away and could have consequences in next year's midterm elections.
    Alexandra Hutzler, ABC News, 15 July 2025
Verb
  • Applying a daily sunscreen can help protect your skin from UV rays.
    Sherri Gordon, Health, 15 July 2025
  • The formula blends potent ingredients—edelweiss native cells, niacinamide, and ginger root extract—to strengthen hair fibers, protecting against mechanical damage caused by frequent brushing or styling.
    Kiana Murden, Vogue, 15 July 2025
Verb
  • Looks like the oil industry is expecting the Strait to be blockaded in the coming days.
    Adeola Adeosun, MSNBC Newsweek, 23 June 2025
  • The zombies move fast here, so some of the traditional zombie moments, like the inevitable part where everyone is blockaded in a house for a while, don’t really work in 28 Days.
    Daniel Dockery, Vulture, 18 June 2025

Cite this Entry

“Guard.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/guard. Accessed 22 Jul. 2025.

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