guard 1 of 3

1
2
as in defensive
a position of readiness to oppose actual or expected attack be on your guard against snakes in the swamp

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

3
as in lock
a protective device (as on a weapon) to prevent accidental operation slid the guard into place over the chainsaw chain

Synonyms & Similar Words

4
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

guard

2 of 3

verb (1)

guard (against)

3 of 3

verb (2)

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
Noun
This year’s snub doesn’t figure to start a trend, however, as incoming freshman guard Darryn Peterson is ESPN.com’s early choice to be selected No. 1 overall in June 2026. Gary Bedore, Kansas City Star, 30 June 2025 Voting for the starters — four guards and six frontcourt players — was weighted among three groups: fans (50%), players (25%) and media (25%). Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 30 June 2025
Verb
Chiefs guard Trey Smith was a guest on the latest episode of the New Heights podcast and, naturally, the discussion turned to KC’s offensive line. Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 26 June 2025 His short films focus on a different team of rangers fighting to protect endangered species or guarding areas around the world, and kicked off six weeks ago. Simon Perry, People.com, 26 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for guard
Recent Examples of Synonyms for guard
Noun
  • Parents and guardians earning $200,000 a year or less are eligible to claim the full $2,000 credit per child through tax year 2025.
    Kamaron McNair, CNBC, 26 June 2025
  • Researchers gave the species a new common name: the Palawan guardian frog.
    Irene Wright, Miami Herald, 24 June 2025
Noun
  • Ukraine has largely been on the defensive since its loss in the Battle of Avdiivka in February 2024.
    Brady Knox, The Washington Examiner, 29 June 2025
  • Here is a tracker that will follow the moves the Chiefs have made since the NFL Draft ended on Saturday: Penn State football defensive tackle Coziah Izzard signed a three-year deal with the Chiefs as an undrafted free agent, his agent told Onward State.
    Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 27 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Camila Alves McConaughey waved her dark locks from the roots to the tips, while Bb Trickz added inches to her ends with extensions.
    Kaleigh Werner, Footwear News, 30 June 2025
  • Rose doesn't have the restraint of a neurotypical 9-year-old, so chemicals and electronics are kept behind three levels of locks.
    Alexis Kayser, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 June 2025
Noun
  • Finally, Thompson added the fourth in the 63rd minute, cutting back across the Ireland defense and putting the ball on her right foot for a curling shot.
    Meg Linehan, New York Times, 26 June 2025
  • After the House narrowly approved the legislation that addresses the president's tax, defense, border and energy priorities last month, Senate GOP leaders are working to pass the bill in the upper chamber.
    Kaia Hubbard, CBS News, 26 June 2025
Noun
  • Check out our other guides to the best telescopes, binoculars, cameras, star projectors, drones, lego and much more.
    Alexander Cox, Space.com, 23 June 2025
  • Book a call, download your guide, join your newsletter, whatever moves them closer to working with you.
    Jodie Cook, Forbes.com, 23 June 2025
Noun
  • Along with bigger-bodied players like Davis and Blade, Michigan typically looks for defenders in the 230-pound range who can provide length and speed on the edge.
    Austin Meek, New York Times, 24 June 2025
  • However, LeMahieu's bat leaves plenty to be desired, his defense at second base is not the best and Chisholm is a better defender at second base than in the hot corner.
    Aaliyan Mohammed, MSNBC Newsweek, 23 June 2025
Noun
  • But unless data is truly replicated widely, availability still hinges on just a few custodians.
    Viktor Trón, Forbes.com, 23 June 2025
  • The showrunners have worked closely with the Preservation Society of Newport County, custodian of more than a dozen historic residences, to get the kind of access that’s rarely granted to film crews.
    Brent Lang, Variety, 20 June 2025
Noun
  • McKnight said that he's been working in aerospace engineering, space safety, and space operations since 1986.
    Leonard David, Space.com, 23 June 2025
  • In a separate incident on the same day in Utah, a protest turned deadly when a safety volunteer accidentally shot and killed a demonstrator while responding to another armed individual who allegedly approached the crowd with a rifle.
    Doc Louallen, ABC News, 23 June 2025

Cite this Entry

“Guard.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/guard. Accessed 7 Jul. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on guard

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!