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
Brunson, meanwhile, is a guard listed at 6 feet, 2 inches. Jaden Thompson, Footwear News, 17 Feb. 2026 The Gophers’ senior guard can fill up the stat sheet in a variety of ways — points, rebounds, assists and on the defensive end. Andy Greder, Twin Cities, 17 Feb. 2026
Verb
The seven-time All-Star went 11 of 13 with six 3-pointers, dazzling his fellow All-Stars and even prompting 7-foot-4 Victor Wembanyama to attempt to guard him out of desperation. Greg Beacham, Chicago Tribune, 16 Feb. 2026 Business leaders have expressed both relief at the prospect of stability and guarded hope for what lies ahead. Mayu Saini, Sourcing Journal, 16 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for guard
Recent Examples of Synonyms for guard
Noun
  • And so the city was exposed to future hurricanes, and lost the living guardians whose roots held the land in place.
    Melina Walling, Los Angeles Times, 19 Feb. 2026
  • Investigators determined Colgrove was the legal guardian for her 4-year-old grandson.
    Elissa Jorgensen, Dallas Morning News, 16 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • Leonhard spent two separate stints in Buffalo during a 10-year career as an NFL defensive back, including his first three spanning 2005-07.
    Dallas Morning News, Dallas Morning News, 31 Jan. 2026
  • While Heyward, Watt and Ramsey are all in their 30s, the Steelers do have a promising core of young talent led by rookie defensive tackle Derrick Harmon and third-year outside linebacker Nick Herbig.
    CBS News, CBS News, 31 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • Uptown and downtown offer an exciting lifestyle, especially for residents looking for a secure, lock-and-leave home.
    Dallas Morning News, Dallas Morning News, 15 Feb. 2026
  • People in the shelter-in-place area were told to go and stay indoors, close and lock windows and doors, and turn off HVAC and air-conditioning systems, according to the Butler County Sheriff's Office.
    Cheryl Vari, Cincinnati Enquirer, 15 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • Over the past decade, member states of the European Union – of which the UK is not a member – have already doubled their defense expenditures, but more spending is needed, the defense chiefs argued.
    Brad Lendon, CNN Money, 16 Feb. 2026
  • This shift enables reactive defense systems, such as satellite hulls that intentionally heat to harden against incoming micrometeorite impacts.
    Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 16 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • Dive into our guide to find out why this might be Europe's hottest capital right now.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 21 Feb. 2026
  • Only two members of the friends’ group survived, as well as a guide and two other skiers on the tour.
    Ray Sanchez, CNN Money, 21 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • The Arkansas Supreme Court has a unique role as the defender of the rights particular to Arkansans.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 16 Feb. 2026
  • Kjellbin is also a defender and was part of the Sweden team that made it to the quarterfinals at the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics, eventually being defeated by hockey heavyweight Canada.
    Hannah Ryan, CNN Money, 14 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • Legal experts say the court records and videos show that the administration is often abusing the law to target activities protected by the First Amendment, rather than using it to defend federal officers.
    Isabelle Chapman, CNN Money, 19 Feb. 2026
  • In areas within the USDA hardiness zones, a 2 to 4 inch layer of organic mulch will help protect roots and maintain the moisture level in the soil.
    Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 18 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • Trump last year pardoned several people convicted for blockading clinics.
    Josh Funk, Chicago Tribune, 31 Jan. 2026
  • But Senate leadership had to overcome a temporary setback as senators blockaded the legislation as leverage for their own priorities.
    Ramsey Touchberry, The Washington Examiner, 30 Jan. 2026

Cite this Entry

“Guard.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/guard. Accessed 22 Feb. 2026.

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