GUARDED Synonyms: 124 Similar and Opposite Words

guarded 1 of 2

adjective

ˈgär-dəd

Definition of guarded

as in wary

having or showing a close attentiveness to avoiding danger or trouble a guarded man who knew better than to reveal such delicate information guarded actions

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guarded

2 of 2

verb

past tense of guard

as in protected

to drive danger or attack away from guard the quarterback so he doesn't get sacked

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as in blockaded

to disallow entry into (a place) by means of a physical barrier at the entry point a fire-breathing dragon guarded the entrance to the castle

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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 guarded

Adjective

When that happens, people become more guarded, less open and less willing to engage. — Tony Gambill, Forbes.com, 30 Apr. 2026 Our spirits remain guarded, but high, for this one; the Venice Film Festival crowd seemed to eat it up. — Randy Myers, The Mercury News, 3 Sep. 2024

Verb

Yet is there anything more exclusive than an island guarded by nature’s bouncers, keeping guests out until low tide? — Laura Dannen Redman, Robb Report, 15 Oct. 2026 However, the exact number of satellites associated with Starshield remains unknown, with experts telling TIME that such details are closely guarded due to national security considerations. — Tiago Ventura, Time, 15 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for guarded

Recent Examples of Synonyms for guarded

Adjective

Haugen is wary of entering a 10- to 15-year lock up at high interest rates.

— Hayley Cuccinello, CNBC, 23 Oct. 2026
The president lost in court, but Democrats are still wary of mail-in voting as the midterm election approaches.

— Laura Meckler, Washington Post, 22 Oct. 2026

Definition of wary

Adjective

Be cautious about unfamiliar apps with extensive permissions.

— Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 23 Oct. 2026
And while Denton appears to be the right person to focus on cost savings and efficiencies, Wall Street remained cautious on the timing of Nike’s turnaround.

— Vicki M. Young, Footwear News, 23 Oct. 2026

Definition of cautious

Verb

Although the entrance was barricaded by a refrigerator and a couch, Gentry found a way inside and all three hostages were saved without injury, Mekosch said.

— Shambhavi Rimal, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 27 Oct. 2026
Police arrested a 49-year-old Roseville woman who barricaded herself inside her home after chasing and threatening a man at the address.

— Darrell Smith, Sacbee.com, 26 Oct. 2026

Definition of barricaded

Adjective

Along with potentially leeching microplastics into your food, plastic food storage containers absorb stains, odors, and flavors, and many require careful hand-washing to prevent them from warping.

— Caley Sturgill, Southern Living, 29 Oct. 2026
Gallery visitors were careful not to step on the sprawling assemblage of photographs, drawings and artifacts scattered across the floor.

— Jane Horowitz, Los Angeles Times, 29 Oct. 2026