GUARDED Synonyms: 124 Similar and Opposite Words

guarded 1 of 2

adjective

ˈgär-dəd

Definition of guarded

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

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guarded

2 of 2

verb

past tense of guard

as in protected

to drive danger or attack away from guard the quarterback so he doesn't get sacked

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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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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

Adjective

When that happens, people become more guarded, less open and less willing to engage. — Tony Gambill, Forbes.com, 30 Apr. 2026 Our spirits remain guarded, but high, for this one; the Venice Film Festival crowd seemed to eat it up. — Randy Myers, The Mercury News, 3 Sep. 2024

Verb

Against Indiana in August, Wilson guarded Caitlin Clark with the game on the line in overtime and forced the turnover that set up Chelsea Gray’s winning 3-pointer. — Dan Zaksheske Outkick, FOXNews.com, 1 Oct. 2026 Just next to him, guarded by several men, is another pilot — the man the flight’s passengers allege was the attacker. — Ivana Kottasová, CNN Money, 30 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for guarded

Recent Examples of Synonyms for guarded

Adjective

People connected to Democratic fundraising tell CNBC some major donors remain wary after Harris’ 2024 presidential defeat.

— Luke Fountain, CNBC, 8 Oct. 2026
Drivers have learned to be wary of instructions from mapping apps.

— Shay Rabineau, The Conversation, 8 Oct. 2026

Definition of wary

Verb

The Roadless Rule was adopted in 2001 after years of public debate over how much of the country’s remaining undeveloped national forest land should be protected from roads and commercial development.

— Christiana Freitag, Chicago Tribune, 4 Oct. 2026
According to one poll, 30 percent of women feel unsafe, not protected.

— ABC News, ABC News, 4 Oct. 2026

Definition of protected

Verb

As pupils blockaded high schools, large crowds waving flags and placards gathered in Marseille, Strasbourg and other cities.

— NICOLAS GARRIGA, Arkansas Online, 7 Oct. 2026
On Tuesday, people spilled into the streets for a nationwide day of protest after over two weeks of student demonstrations that have blockaded schools across the country.

— Ellen Francis, Washington Post, 6 Oct. 2026

Definition of blockaded

Adjective

Arellano contends that Becerra should project a more forceful, less cautious persona, drawing on the immigrant and working-class experience of Latino families.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 1 Oct. 2026
Be cautious with financial ventures before taking unnecessary risks.

— Lisa Stardust, Vogue, 1 Oct. 2026

Definition of cautious

Verb

Coryell also denied Qualls’ claim and defended Rankin in a statement.

— Lia Russell, Sacbee.com, 3 Oct. 2026
Rees-Mogg defended Britain’s decision to enter the war, arguing that the country’s victory over Nazi Germany preserved its sovereignty and prevented Hitler from continuing to expand across Europe.

— Rena Rowe, The Washington Examiner, 3 Oct. 2026

Definition of defended

Adjective

Democratic congressional candidates will also need to be careful about balancing partisan messages to their base with more measured appeals to independent voters.

— Julio Borquez, The Conversation, 8 Oct. 2026
But perhaps the biggest challenge of all was being extremely careful not to pass moral judgment on the story or any of the characters being portrayed.

— Nick Vivarelli, Variety, 8 Oct. 2026