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
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in protected
to drive danger or attack away from
guard the quarterback so he doesn't get sacked
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of guarded
Emma Fraser and Sophie Brookover, Town & Country, 21 Dec. 2022
The guarded and pessimistic mood that results from this oppression permeates this melodrama, all the way down to its muted color palette.
—Katie Rife, Rolling Stone, 21 Oct. 2022
Stewart Clarke, Deadline, 10 Feb. 2026
Your warmth can melt guarded moments without crossing boundaries.
—Tarot.com, Hartford Courant, 10 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for guarded
Adjective
After his relationship with Jan (Amy Ryan) ended dramatically, Charles (Steve Martin) is even more guarded with his heart in season two.
—Emma Fraser and Sophie Brookover, Town & Country, 21 Dec. 2022
The guarded and pessimistic mood that results from this oppression permeates this melodrama, all the way down to its muted color palette.
—Katie Rife, Rolling Stone, 21 Oct. 2022
Verb
That project is for ITV and Deadline understands another drama for the commercial broadcaster is slated for production in 2026, but details of that thriller are being closely guarded.
—Stewart Clarke, Deadline, 10 Feb. 2026
Your warmth can melt guarded moments without crossing boundaries.
—Tarot.com, Hartford Courant, 10 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for guarded
Recent Examples of Synonyms for guarded
Adjective
-
But some experts on gun violence are still wary of endorsing the program.—
Max Saltman,
CNN Money,
15 Feb. 2026
-
The stock market has soared in anticipation of lavish public spending, but bond markets remain wary.—
Jeff Kingston,
Time,
15 Feb. 2026
Verb
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As a child, Sky Roberts remembers how his big sister Virginia protected him.—
Laura Trujillo,
USA Today,
21 Feb. 2026
-
The Wizards hope that an early lottery pick will join that nucleus this offseason, but the team owes a top-eight protected 2026 first-round pick to the New York Knicks.—
Josh Robbins,
New York Times,
20 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Saudi Arabia, under his de-facto leadership, embarked on a military campaign against the Houthis in Yemen, temporarily kidnapped the Prime Minister of Lebanon, and blockaded Qatar.—
Isaac Chotiner,
New Yorker,
17 Feb. 2026
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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
Adjective
-
Be cautious of ice accumulating on power lines or tree branches, which can lead to snapping and falling hazards.—
Bay Area Weather Report,
Mercury News,
18 Feb. 2026
-
Most of North and Central Texas shouldbe cautious with burning on Thursday, but the wildfire threat is less severe.—
Julia James,
Dallas Morning News,
18 Feb. 2026
Verb
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In response to backlash regarding the fee-in-lieu proposition, Ross Babel, co-founder of Fulton Street Companies, defended the company’s proposition to observers.—
Claire Murphy,
Chicago Tribune,
21 Feb. 2026
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Tuttle also defended the festival and its jury in multiple interviews.—
Andreas Wiseman,
Deadline,
21 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Officers forced their way into the home because the front door was barricaded, the release said.—
Claire Osborn,
Austin American Statesman,
18 Feb. 2026
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Aljorna and Sosa-Celis retreated into their upstairs apartment and barricaded the door, so federal officers used tear gas to try to force the men out, the FBI agent said.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
14 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
Stirring frequently, cook until garlic is a deep golden brown, being careful not to burn it, about 5 minutes.—
C.W. Cameron,
AJC.com,
21 Feb. 2026
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Once the heavy portion is removed, finish with a clean cut where the branch meets the trunk, being careful not to injure the branch collar.—
Rae Ford,
Martha Stewart,
21 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Nancy Guthrie's home was safeguarded by a Nest doorbell camera, a common security option for many Americans.—
Kathleen Wong,
USA Today,
12 Feb. 2026
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All those billion plus users need to upgrade to ensure their phones and data are safeguarded.—
Zak Doffman,
Forbes.com,
27 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Guarded.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/guarded. Accessed 22 Feb. 2026.
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