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
Daniel Gonzalez, AZCentral.com, 30 Oct. 2025
In one such conversation, Bieber opens up about trying to unlearn past patterns and behaviors to be less guarded.
—Jeff Nelson, PEOPLE, 29 Oct. 2025
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
Local police guarded the center along with members of Mexico's national guard.
—Daniel Gonzalez, AZCentral.com, 30 Oct. 2025
In one such conversation, Bieber opens up about trying to unlearn past patterns and behaviors to be less guarded.
—Jeff Nelson, PEOPLE, 29 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for guarded
Recent Examples of Synonyms for guarded
Adjective
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Most Venezuelans who spoke to CNN in Caracas were wary of sharing their opinions publicly.—
Stefano Pozzebon,
CNN Money,
5 Nov. 2025
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Republicans, meanwhile, remain wary of voting to extend the additional Obamacare subsidies, said Rodney Whitlock, a vice president at the McDermott+ consultancy who was a longtime congressional staffer and advises on health care policy.—
Sydney Lake,
Fortune,
5 Nov. 2025
Verb
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Trim the dead parts, shake the soil off, and store them in a cool, dark location where they are protected from the cold.—
Andy Wilcox,
Better Homes & Gardens,
9 Nov. 2025
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So she’s introduced a new contract to make sure she’s protected from fluctuating prices.—
Vanessa Yurkevich,
CNN Money,
9 Nov. 2025
Verb
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To test if this really was a White House operation, Grace and I followed one of the trucks out of the golf course, past the Washington Monument and the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool, to a path that normally leads to the White House but was blockaded.—
Nancy Walecki,
The Atlantic,
25 Oct. 2025
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Israel has blockaded the water around Gaza, preventing boats and ships from delivering humanitarian aid.—
Eric Adler,
Kansas City Star,
9 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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Fearing a spike in anti-Japanese sentiment ahead of the parade, the Japanese embassy in Beijing warned its citizens to stay cautious and avoid speaking Japanese loudly in public – perhaps mindful that in recent years, there has been a spate of violent attacks against Japanese nationals in China.—
Jessie Yeung,
CNN Money,
12 Nov. 2025
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Crypto assets did rise modestly alongside other risk assets following signs of progress in Washington, but the broader tone remains cautious.—
Sidhartha Shukla,
Fortune,
11 Nov. 2025
Verb
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Just over a minute later, Kuzma tried to toss Antetokounmpo another alley-oop, but the Bulls defended it well and took away the rim.—
Eric Nehm,
New York Times,
8 Nov. 2025
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Quagliano has repeatedly denied that and defended the bank’s aircraft business as profitable.—
Justin Wingerter,
Denver Post,
8 Nov. 2025
Verb
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The suspect briefly barricaded himself inside a bedroom before deputies were able to breach the door and make contact, the department said.—
Andy Humbles,
Nashville Tennessean,
7 Nov. 2025
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In 2022, two officers shot and killed a 42-year-old Caldwell resident who barricaded himself inside a home with a child after police identified him as the suspect in a domestic violence investigation, according to prior reporting.—
Alex Brizee,
Idaho Statesman,
17 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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Be careful when handling debris that may have blown into your yard.—
CA Weather Bot,
Sacbee.com,
7 Nov. 2025
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Step by careful step, Holbrook climbed, holding out bologna and cheese until two pairs of cautious eyes peeked back.—
Ashley Vega,
PEOPLE,
7 Nov. 2025
Verb
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Seed phrases concentrate risk in one secret while seedless paths distribute it across vendors, devices, identities, or extra hardware that must be safeguarded and, in a crisis, actually found.—
Wyles Daniel,
USA Today,
6 Nov. 2025
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Trott and Lufkin safeguarded the middle with six and three blocks, respectively, while Payton Patrick rejected four shots.—
Mike Waters,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
31 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Guarded.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/guarded. Accessed 12 Nov. 2025.
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