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
Literary Hub, 28 Jan. 2026
After nearly two decades of on-off negotiations, the deal will pave the way for India to open up its vast and guarded market to free trade with the 27-nation EU, its biggest trading partner.
—CNN Money, 27 Jan. 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 ships’ commanders lined up their crews in three rows, guarded by soldiers.
—Literary Hub, 28 Jan. 2026
After nearly two decades of on-off negotiations, the deal will pave the way for India to open up its vast and guarded market to free trade with the 27-nation EU, its biggest trading partner.
—CNN Money, 27 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for guarded
Recent Examples of Synonyms for guarded
Adjective
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Malinina and Skorniakov seldom comment on their son or their methods for coaching him, wary of creating any more pressure for him.—
Sally Jenkins,
The Atlantic,
1 Feb. 2026
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But some are wary — in the past, the Venezuelan government forced them to renegotiate contracts on worse terms.—
Frank Langfitt,
NPR,
1 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Today, approximately 70% of the property’s total acreage is now permanently protected.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
30 Jan. 2026
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High vaccination rates create a shield for those who can’t be fully protected during a measles outbreak.—
Jesse Pines,
Forbes.com,
30 Jan. 2026
Verb
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At first, Israel blockaded Gaza entirely, against the United States’ wishes.—
Andrew P. Miller,
Foreign Affairs,
5 Dec. 2025
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In recent weeks, JNIM has effectively blockaded Bamako, targeting critical fuel convoys and supply lines.—
Tom O'Connor,
MSNBC Newsweek,
14 Nov. 2025
Adjective
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The anticipated move would end a string of three consecutive quarter-point rate cuts, aligning with a cautious approach outlined by Powell last month, before reports of the investigation into his conduct.—
Max Zahn,
ABC News,
28 Jan. 2026
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Still, more cautious analysts have flagged weaker activity in China.—
Bloomberg News,
Bloomberg,
28 Jan. 2026
Verb
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The Justice Department did not respond to a request for comment, but officials there have broadly defended the department’s actions as not only justified but necessary for ensuring the rule of law and holding alleged criminals to account.—
Kevin Rector,
Los Angeles Times,
31 Jan. 2026
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Canadian national team skeleton coach Joe Cecchini has defended the decision to withdraw the athletes earlier this month.—
Jackson Thompson,
FOXNews.com,
31 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Police said the suspect then barricaded himself inside a residence, and officers had surrounded the home.—
Richard Ramos,
CBS News,
28 Jan. 2026
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When officers arrived, the teen barricaded himself inside the home, prompting a response from the department’s Crisis Response Unit, which includes SWAT officers and crisis negotiators, police said.—
Camryn Dadey,
Sacbee.com,
26 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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Be careful when handling debris that may have blown into your yard.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
31 Jan. 2026
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Leeds are right on the limit of their profitability and sustainability (PSR) projections, but with some careful rebalancing of the finances, this could be a swing worth taking.—
James McNicholas,
New York Times,
31 Jan. 2026
Verb
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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
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But how can something so intangible be safeguarded?—
Charlotte Observer,
Charlotte Observer,
27 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Guarded.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/guarded. Accessed 2 Feb. 2026.
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