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
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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
John Bowe, CNBC, 7 Apr. 2026
Because Agnes is the daughter of a high-ranking Gilead commander, her life is heavily guarded.
—A Martínez, NPR, 7 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
People who are easy to talk to tend to move through life more easily than those who seem distant or guarded.
—John Bowe, CNBC, 7 Apr. 2026
Because Agnes is the daughter of a high-ranking Gilead commander, her life is heavily guarded.
—A Martínez, NPR, 7 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for guarded
Recent Examples of Synonyms for guarded
Adjective
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Be wary of using manipulation tactics to keep someone close as Venus clashes with Pluto.—
USA TODAY,
USA Today,
3 Apr. 2026
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Beijing would also be acutely wary of any agreement that would require it to monitor and punish ceasefire violations – especially one that could potentially pull it into conflict with the US.—
Sophia Saifi,
CNN Money,
1 Apr. 2026
Verb
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There was a brief red-carpet ceremony to welcome Vance at PAF Air Base Nur Khan, which was protected by heavy security.—
Brian Dakss,
CBS News,
11 Apr. 2026
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This inland route, protected from sea storms and pirates, enabled travelers to journey safely up and down the coast as if on a modern interstate highway.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
10 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Iran has effectively blockaded the Strait of Hormuz for the vast majority of vessels for more than six weeks — a previously unthinkable scenario for a waterway that ordinarily carries about a fifth of global oil and natural gas supplies and a third of the world’s urea fertilizer exports.—
Hanna Ziady,
CNN Money,
8 Apr. 2026
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The Strait of Hormuz remains blockaded Central to the negotiations is Iran’s control of the Strait of Hormuz, a choke point that, if left blockaded, could continue driving oil prices higher and further destabilizing global energy markets.—
Nabih Bulos,
Los Angeles Times,
6 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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Ebus added that interest in Venezuela is already dividing potential investors, with smaller risk-taking firms eager to enter while major companies remain cautious.—
Antonio María Delgado,
Miami Herald,
9 Apr. 2026
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Avoid sudden braking or acceleration, and be especially cautious on hills or when making turns.—
CA Weather Bot,
Sacbee.com,
9 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Jamahl Mosley‘s group successfully shared the ball by dishing out 33 assists and defended at a high level in spurts by scoring 28 points off 20 takeaways.—
Jason Beede,
The Orlando Sentinel,
11 Apr. 2026
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Months after its withering box-office performance, Costner defended his position.—
Declan Gallagher,
Entertainment Weekly,
11 Apr. 2026
Verb
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After nearly three hours of negotiations, Antioch police arrested an armed man who had barricaded himself inside a home Wednesday.—
Molly Gibbs,
Mercury News,
9 Apr. 2026
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The suspect had initially barricaded himself inside his home.—
Ruben Vives,
Los Angeles Times,
9 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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This requires careful monitoring of key parameters such as sugar and acidity from veraison through to harvest.—
Maureen Mackey , Kelly McGreal,
FOXNews.com,
11 Apr. 2026
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Somewhere within him is the spirit of the patriotic teenager and the careful lower-court judge who rejected any notion of party loyalty or judicial agenda.—
Peter S. Canellos,
The Atlantic,
10 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Protect Civilian Infrastructure All sides should cease strikes on civilian targets and critical infrastructure, including energy facilities, desalination plants and safeguarded nuclear sites, in line with international humanitarian law.—
Micah McCartney,
MSNBC Newsweek,
1 Apr. 2026
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The Panthers have safeguarded the depth at the position by bringing back Franks, a special teams ace, and Mitchell.—
Mike Kaye
March 26,
Charlotte Observer,
26 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Guarded.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/guarded. Accessed 13 Apr. 2026.
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