Synonyms of guarded

guarded 1 of 2

adjective

ˈgär-dəd 

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

• wary
• cautious
• careful
• alert
• circumspect
• gingerly
• conservative
• heedful
• safe
• considerate
• chary
• vigilant
• watchful
• thoughtful
• attentive
• observant
• awake
• cagey
• foresighted
• regardful
• provident
• deliberate
• slow
• shrewd
• calculating
• advertent
• hypercautious
• foresightful
• forethoughtful
• canny
• ultracareful
• ultracautious

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• unguarded
• careless
• unsafe
• heedless
• reckless
• unmindful
• rash
• regardless
• bold
• impetuous
• unwary
• brash
• venturesome
• negligent
• inattentive
• asleep
• lax
• thoughtless
• incautious
• inconsiderate
• remiss
• neglectful
• indiscreet
• imprudent
• injudicious
• forgetful
• inadvertent
• unplanned
• unintentional
• absentminded

guarded

2 of 2

verb

past tense of guard

1

as in protected

to drive danger or attack away from

guard the quarterback so he doesn't get sacked

Synonyms & Similar Words

• protected
• defended
• safeguarded
• shielded
• secured
• fenced
• kept
• warded
• fended
• screened
• bulwarked
• covered
• stood up for
• saved
• preserved
• prevented
• forfended
• opposed
• resisted
• conserved
• averted
• withstood
• fought
• contended
• warred
• walled
• buffered
• picketed
• battled
• palisaded

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• attacked
• assailed
• assaulted
• bombarded
• stormed
• besieged
• beset
• submitted
• yielded
• overran
• caved
• capitulated

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

• blockaded
• barricaded
• locked
• barred
• gated
• closed (off)
• blocked (off)
• obstructed
• fenced
• walled (off)
• hedged
• screened (off)
• bolted
• curtained (off)
• diked

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• opened
• reopened
• unbarred
• unbolted
• unblocked

Example Sentences

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

But Pierre arrives guarded, carrying a secret that will change everything. — Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 6 July 2026

At its heart, a fourth-century Christian basilica overlooking one of the city’s main thoroughfares, while two watchtowers guarded its outskirts. — Anne Doran, ARTnews.com, 6 July 2026