1
as in guardian
a person or group that watches over someone or something
checked in with the security guard at the gate
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
2
3
4
as in defense
means or method of defending
the boxer's sparring partner managed to get a blow in under his left guard
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
5
as in guide
one that accompanies another for protection, guidance, or as a courtesy
the honor guards raised their sabers as the happy couple descended the church steps
Synonyms & Similar Words
6
as in defender
someone that protects
a battalion of burly guards surrounding the celebrity
Synonyms & Similar Words
1
as in to protect
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 to blockade
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
as in to watch out (for)
to be cautious of or on guard against
unfortunately, you have to guard against theft while you're traveling
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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 guard
Sheryl Estrada, Fortune, 24 Sep. 2025
Morris, a 6-foot-2 guard, has logged eight NBA seasons with the Denver Nuggets, Washington Wizards, Detroit Pistons, Minnesota Timberwolves, and Phoenix Suns.
—Grant Afseth, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Sep. 2025
Alexander Smith, NBC news, 24 Sep. 2025
While the Kremlin closely guards its economic data, independent analyses show debt is soaring, while growth is cooling.
—semafor.com, 22 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for guard
Noun
The work spans over 400 pages and features more than 100 vivid photographs from his childhood through his trailblazing NBA career as the Golden State Warriors’ star guard.
—Sheryl Estrada, Fortune, 24 Sep. 2025
Morris, a 6-foot-2 guard, has logged eight NBA seasons with the Denver Nuggets, Washington Wizards, Detroit Pistons, Minnesota Timberwolves, and Phoenix Suns.
—Grant Afseth, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Sep. 2025
Verb
Police officers guarding the barricades appeared somewhat embarrassed at having to block the path of a visiting world leader.
—Alexander Smith, NBC news, 24 Sep. 2025
While the Kremlin closely guards its economic data, independent analyses show debt is soaring, while growth is cooling.
—semafor.com, 22 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for guard
Recent Examples of Synonyms for guard
Noun
-
Deanne Hullender, a spokesperson for the district, said 23,000 emails were sent to parents and guardians to inform them about the posters.—
Elizabeth Campbell,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
25 Sep. 2025
-
The Fidelity Youth Account can only be opened by a parent/guardian.—
Kelsey Neubauer,
CNBC,
25 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
But junior defensive back Liam McGlynn recorded an interception to keep the Mustangs off the board.—
Frank Rajkowski,
Twin Cities,
20 Sep. 2025
-
On the third play from scrimmage, freshman defensive back Kiingbaraka Kizzee grabbed a deflected pass for an interception and returned the ball 46 yards to the Sierra Canyon 5.—
Dan Albano,
Oc Register,
19 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
Need to get past an electronic door with a finger-print key lock?—
Nick Romano,
Entertainment Weekly,
30 Sep. 2025
-
Jared Spurgeon, Brock Faber and Zach Bogosian are locks for the roster on the right side of the defense, and Jake Middleton and Zeev Buium are on the left.—
Joe Smith,
New York Times,
30 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
Essential services like defense and law enforcement would continue throughout a shutdown, as would mandatory spending programs like Social Security and Medicare, BAI added.—
Max Zahn,
ABC News,
30 Sep. 2025
-
Though Brock Purdy threw over 300 yards in his return from injury, the Jaguars' defense caused five turnovers, including a strip sack that sealed the game in the fourth quarter.—
James Brizuela,
MSNBC Newsweek,
29 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
With the help of a behelit, Entertainment Weekly has put together the ultimate guide to this sprawling action anime.—
Chris Snellgrove,
Entertainment Weekly,
27 Sep. 2025
-
Check out our activation guide for help on getting started.—
Detroit Free Press,
Freep.com,
27 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
During a two-point conversion play, Jennings caught the ball in the endzone, but was smashed between two Jaguars defenders.—
James Brizuela,
MSNBC Newsweek,
29 Sep. 2025
-
Brown climbed the ladder to haul in a pass over the middle from Madsen, beating his defender in the air acrobatically before smashing into the end zone turf for the catch and a 33-14 lead.—
Shaun Goodwin,
Idaho Statesman,
28 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
Law enforcement are exempt from the law, as well as custodians, maintenance workers, and those providing medical assistance.—
Abby Monteil,
Them.,
23 Sep. 2025
-
Egan quizzed the custodian on the relationship.—
Dan Kelly,
Kansas City Star,
21 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
The facility remained secure during the incident and there was no threat to public safety, according to the sheriff’s office.—
Jason Green,
Mercury News,
27 Sep. 2025
-
But however, there are many safety micro switches in the entire unit that would stop the escalator in certain circumstances, and that's how they are designed.—
Majd Al-Waheidi,
NPR,
26 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Guard.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/guard. Accessed 1 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share