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
Chris Jones, Chicago Tribune, 24 July 2023
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
Andrea Margolis, FOXNews.com, 18 May 2026
He was reserved, a bit guarded.
—Stephen Schaefer, Boston Herald, 18 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for guarded
Adjective
Hirst is a guarded and successful writer, Spooner a poet or a fraud or both.
—Chris Jones, Chicago Tribune, 24 July 2023
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
Verb
Officials removed older metal supports to make the monument's interior fully visible, and future plans include installing the tomb's monumental double-leaf Macedonian marble door and restoring parts of the sphinx sculptures that once guarded the entrance.
—Andrea Margolis, FOXNews.com, 18 May 2026
He was reserved, a bit guarded.
—Stephen Schaefer, Boston Herald, 18 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for guarded
Recent Examples of Synonyms for guarded
Adjective
-
Beijing is widely seen to be wary of that program, which has traditionally heightened American focus on the region and risks instability that could impact China, which shares a border with North Korea.—
Simone McCarthy,
CNN Money,
8 June 2026
-
Separately, some remain wary of the consequences of redundancies across certain functions.—
Meg Short,
Fortune,
7 June 2026
Verb
-
Most durable businesses are protected by network effects, switching costs, or regulatory barriers — advantages that can be modeled and sometimes replicated.—
Ethan Stone,
USA Today,
29 May 2026
-
The decision, announced Thursday by the Department of Homeland Security, marked a rare reprieve for people protected by temporary measures that have been harshly criticized by Republicans.—
Gisela Salomon,
Los Angeles Times,
29 May 2026
Verb
-
Demonstrators wielding dynamite have blockaded major cities, leading to shortages of food, fuel and medical supplies.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
27 May 2026
-
Iran has blockaded Hormuz since early March, choking off the oil and gas exports of the UAE and the other Gulf Arab producers.—
Spencer Kimball,
CNBC,
20 May 2026
Adjective
-
Americans are also increasingly cautious about where sensitive information like health data and financial records rest.—
Rachyl Jones,
semafor.com,
3 June 2026
-
The current government led by Donald Tusk has been more cautious, speaking only about a bigger role in nuclear deterrence.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
3 June 2026
Verb
-
Throughout his campaign, Mellor has defended his record as a Marine veteran, ties to Flynn and his participation in the January 6, 2021 pro-Trump march that turned into a riot.—
Nick Penzenstadler,
USA Today,
6 June 2026
-
The Knicks center is now 8-for-13 when defended by Wembanyama in the series.—
Peter Sblendorio,
New York Daily News,
6 June 2026
Verb
-
Searles-Harris had barricaded himself on the building’s second floor, which houses the offices of the Kern County school superintendent’s administration.—
Maria Aguilar Prieto,
CNN Money,
4 June 2026
-
Searles-Harris had barricaded himself on the second floor and taken 10 employees of Kern County Superintendent of Schools hostage, Bakersfield Assistant Police Chief Jeremy Blakemore said.—
Dennis Romero,
NBC news,
3 June 2026
Adjective
-
Backfill with soil, being careful not to place the soil against the stem, as this can cause rot.—
SJ McShane,
Martha Stewart,
6 June 2026
-
Every Jantzen suit is crafted for a variety of body types with careful attention to support, coverage and ease of movement.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
6 June 2026
Verb
-
The veil has been torn from belief that marine choke points can be safeguarded, with international access kept open, by proximity of conventional forces.—
Scott Montgomery,
Forbes.com,
26 May 2026
-
Asylum seekers should be protected, families must remain together, and workers should be safeguarded from exploitation.—
Linh Tat,
Oc Register,
4 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Guarded.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/guarded. Accessed 10 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
