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
Synonyms & Similar Words
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
Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 15 May 2026
These are institutions which are obviously very tightly guarded and there's not a lot of freedom there for the individuals inside.
—Dana Taylor, USA Today, 14 May 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
Disney has kept the technology closely guarded, leaving fans with little chance of seeing how the machines actually work.
—Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 15 May 2026
These are institutions which are obviously very tightly guarded and there's not a lot of freedom there for the individuals inside.
—Dana Taylor, USA Today, 14 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for guarded
Recent Examples of Synonyms for guarded
Adjective
-
Many prospective buyers are now wary of taking on a mortgage.—
Chris Lau,
CNN Money,
18 May 2026
-
Be wary of requests for unusual payment methods, like peer-to-peer apps or checks.—
Janay Reece,
CBS News,
17 May 2026
Verb
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Rails need to be in place so that human creativity and human input are protected, recognizing the value that humans bring to the fore.—
Prof. Mike Alleyne Ph.D,
Forbes.com,
22 May 2026
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In its heyday, the massive 20-sided tower was protected by a ditch, curtain wall, and moat.—
Patricia Doherty,
Travel + Leisure,
22 May 2026
Verb
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Iran has continued to restrict traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, and the United States has blockaded the country’s ports.—
Karissa Waddick,
USA Today,
11 May 2026
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Italian police blocked the entrance to the site as the protest effectively blockaded Russia’s return for about 30 minutes.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
6 May 2026
Adjective
-
While many major stock indexes have erased losses incurred at the start of the Iran war, government bonds have largely taken a more cautious approach, continuing to price in higher inflation and widespread interest rate hikes.—
Chloe Taylor,
CNBC,
20 May 2026
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Japan’s Foreign Ministry issued a safety advisory for Japanese citizens in China to be cautious and attentive, avoid going out alone and take care when accompanying children.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
20 May 2026
Verb
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On Saturday, Hill defended Carter after former Giants kicker Lawrence Tynes explained why publicly targeting a teammate is frowned upon inside an NFL locker room.—
Bobby Burack OutKick,
FOXNews.com,
24 May 2026
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In 2024, the national team won both the U-20 and U-17 World Cups, and successfully defended the latter in 2025.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
23 May 2026
Verb
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Buul’s 8-year-old daughter was barricaded in a classroom during the shooting.—
Hannah Fry,
Los Angeles Times,
22 May 2026
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Earlier in the day, police urged people to avoid the North Pryor Street and Airline Avenue area near downtown amid reports that someone had barricaded with a weapon.—
Julia Coin,
Charlotte Observer,
20 May 2026
Adjective
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Despite criticism that zero income taxes only benefit high-earners, the Sunshine State’s booming economy and positive migration trends are evidence that such policies merit careful consideration by policymakers nationwide.—
Nicole Huyer,
The Orlando Sentinel,
24 May 2026
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But a careful reading of the S-1 reveals substantial barriers in the path to achieving the sorcerous performance required to reward shareholders who flock to the most anticipated debut ever seen.—
Shawn Tully,
Fortune,
23 May 2026
Verb
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Asylum seekers should be protected, families must remain together, and workers should be safeguarded from exploitation.—
Linh Tat,
Oc Register,
4 May 2026
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Our elections must be safeguarded from foreign interference.—
Kevin Fixler
May 3,
Idaho Statesman,
3 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Guarded.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/guarded. Accessed 25 May. 2026.
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