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

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