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
Relevance
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
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
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
Colin Joyce, Pitchfork, 1 May 2026
Peña, who had terminal kidney disease, was shackled to his hospital bed, guarded by immigration agents and told he wasn’t allowed to disclose his location, according to his wife.
—Claudia Boyd Barrett, San Diego Union-Tribune, 25 Apr. 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
The approach could feel guarded, reducing intense emotions to abstractions, but in Llobet’s cutting delivery, even the haziest imagery feels personal and real.
—Colin Joyce, Pitchfork, 1 May 2026
Peña, who had terminal kidney disease, was shackled to his hospital bed, guarded by immigration agents and told he wasn’t allowed to disclose his location, according to his wife.
—Claudia Boyd Barrett, San Diego Union-Tribune, 25 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for guarded
Recent Examples of Synonyms for guarded
Adjective
-
But many Angelenos remained wary of mass transit.—
Oren Peleg,
New Yorker,
9 May 2026
-
These are frequently active volcanoes, unlikely to produce a major explosive event, and people in surrounding communities generally know to be wary of them.—
Quanta Magazine,
Quanta Magazine,
8 May 2026
Verb
-
Progress has been made, but it must be protected.—
Lucas Robinson,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
8 May 2026
-
The mansion is protected by a conservation easement with the Missouri Preservation Society, protecting the house and a one-foot radius around it from being torn down.—
Kansas City Star,
Kansas City Star,
8 May 2026
Verb
-
Italian police blocked the entrance to the site as the protest effectively blockaded Russia’s return for about 30 minutes.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
6 May 2026
-
Iran has blockaded the key sea lane for weeks now, triggering the biggest oil supply disruption in history.—
Spencer Kimball,Justina Lee,
CNBC,
4 May 2026
Adjective
-
The measure passed Wednesday stops short of a categorical ban that some have sought, but was still met with cautious optimism by traffic safety reformers.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
7 May 2026
-
The defense, which only improved post-Olympics after Paul Coffey returned behind the bench, collapsed in front of an incredibly cautious goaltending tandem.—
Shayna Goldman,
New York Times,
6 May 2026
Verb
-
Maksymowski and Fountain Valley’s Alyssa Ton defended their titles in the 200 and 500 freestyles.—
Dan Albano,
Oc Register,
10 May 2026
-
The people who fought for this country, defended our freedoms, and sacrificed for our communities are being told there is suddenly not enough money for programs that support them.—
Anne Brensley,
Boston Herald,
9 May 2026
Verb
-
The suspect then barricaded himself inside the pickup truck, prompting a response from SWAT and other local law enforcement agencies, including Los Angeles Police Department officers and LASD deputies.—
Dean Fioresi,
CBS News,
4 May 2026
-
Now, TikTokers are reporting that the front-door handles have been removed and the entrances have been barricaded.—
Alejandra Gularte,
Vulture,
1 May 2026
Adjective
-
The move, Lindon said, is careful.—
Sydney Lake,
Fortune,
9 May 2026
-
However, the Vaile Victorian Society, the volunteer group that maintains the house and runs tours, worries that once the house ceases to become a public property, the careful preservation work, which the aged property relies on, will be impossible to maintain.—
Kansas City Star,
Kansas City Star,
8 May 2026
Verb
-
Asylum seekers should be protected, families must remain together, and workers should be safeguarded from exploitation.—
Linh Tat,
Oc Register,
4 May 2026
-
Our elections must be safeguarded from foreign interference.—
Kevin Fixler
May 3,
Idaho Statesman,
3 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Guarded.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/guarded. Accessed 11 May. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
